I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

[dood]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

No, it would not be good to leave it that way. I'd take the risk of trying to unclip it and get it on there right. But I won't be responsible if you crack the core... I'm just saying I wouldn't leave it like that...

[davmax]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Yes. your 3300uF could be a problem. We think they are for the CPU VRM, CPU power.

If that is the case 6.3V is the norm in any case and I will have some left over. They should arrive later this week.

Are you able the attach a photo that shows placement of the 3300uF caps? The VRM caps are usually close to the CPU and the large MOSFET transistors are nearby. i.e the caps should be between the CPU and MOSFETs. Perhaps you could confirm if no photo.

I understand you tried to improve the CPU mounting. Did you use Artic Silver compound?
If not, what did you use to ensure a good thermal connection between CPU and heatsink?

[quattro]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?



As you predicted, they are near the CPU surrounded by MOSFETs and toroid inductors

Haven't touched the CPU yet (im afraid to), I think I may leave it, it is at least partially working (the heatsink), it does get reasonably warm, ill deal with the caps first, if there are still problems ill know where to look next.

So you think 6.3v will be sufficient? Changing the spec worries me a bit.

[davmax]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

It seems that Quattro might need some simple directions to fix heat sink.
Before you attempt this operation make sure you have a good thermal compound. Arctic Silver 5 should be available from local computer component suppliers. Read all of below first.

1.Disconnect the CPU fan connector.
2. Normally a medium sized screw driver is needed to insert into the clip nearest the motherboard edge. When inserted push down enough to to release the tension and the move the screw driver so that the bottom of the clip moves outward and clears the plastic retaining lug. This should realease the heatsink. BE CAREFUL NOT TO LET THE SCREW DRIVER SLIP DOWN AND DAMAGE THE MOTHERBOARD.
3. Remove the heatsink and put to one side. Now carefully lift the chrome lever that secures the CPU in the socket. Careful ensure the CPU is seated correctly by pushing on all rubber pads of the CPU. If satisfactory push the securing lever back down to it's original position.
4. Take up the heat sink and clean off any compound on the lower surface. Do not scratch. Use a wood scrapper to take the bulk off, then use a lint free rag moistened with methylated spirits to completely clean the surface.
5. Clean CPU metal area finishing with spirits as before. Try to make sure that compound is not adjacent or linking any of the small components you see on the CPU. Be very careful. Do not use acetone.
6. Now carefully check that the heatsink will fit correctly without the spring clip engaged.
If all looks well place a small quantity of Arctic silver on the heat sink where you can most likely see the procesor has made contact. Now rub the compound into the heatsink pores and the wipe off carefully.
7 Place a small quantity of compound on the CPU metal surface and spread a thin even coat across the entire surface. Use a blade of some sort, even a razor blade.
8 You are ready to re-assemble. Make sure that the smaller clip on the heatsink, the one you attach first, is pulled free on that side. Now the tricky bit is to lower the heatsink vertically to that you bring it down in the right place and hold it there whilst you engage the first clip. The idea is not to spread the compound too far and reduce the effective thermal connection. There must be no air pocket on the CPU body. With the first clip pushed securely under the plastic lug secure the final clip with the aid of a screw driver, pushing down and moving the clip inward and under the plastic lug. Make sure that each clip is well into the root of each plastic lug, if left on the out edge the lugs do break off.
9 Remember to re-plug the fan.

[quattro]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Thanks for the comprehensive guide!
I had some idea of what to do, but that will make a good reference.

I think I will still stick to doing the caps first though, it's not my pc so if I did damage the processor…

As I said before, time is a bit of an issue (this was a server system, and needs to be back up and running ASAP), so if replacing the caps doesn't work out I will probably just end up buying a new MB (probably with integrated graphics) so I will have to redo the CPU then anyway.

I need to do something about these 3300uF's, I may just order the 12.5mm ones and have them sit out off the board a bit, I may not look nice, but it should still work, there are only 2 in a row.

Thanks again for all your help, especially davmax.

Please let me know of any other ideas you may have.

Tim

[davmax]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Glad to help. Hopefully you will now have good choices to make and have success.


All thebest for 2006.

[quattro]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Ok, just went out and got a new MB, with integrated VGA, so that should solve both problems. I also got some AS5 and, although the "helpful" sales man who sold these to me suggested i use water to clean off the old thermal paste, i went and got some 100% pure isopropyl alcohol from the chemist.

Now i just need to redo the CPU. Anyone have any tips on how to remove the heatsink so as not to damage the chip? Im thinking take off the clip on the right side first (the one above where the HS is resting on the plastic socket) so that no extra pressure is put on the cpu when removing the HSF.

Ideas?

[quattro]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Nevermind,

I couldnt wait, so went ahead, i now realise there is only one way to remove the hsf anyway.

Its off, the chip looks fine, one thing though, two of the rubber pads are looking a bit squished (understandable, these are the two which had all the pressure), is this going to be a problem?

[MD Willington]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Run the computer for a while to heat things up...softens up the TIM (Thermal interface material).

Then follow the video guide of your choice when you re-install the heatsink...

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/...5E6678,00.html

[quattro]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Thanks for the link, im d/ling now,

I wish i had warmed up the TIM, its not coming off so easy cold, but ill get there.

Thanks for your reply

[quattro]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Those links are for A64s, some things are the same, but the cleaning of Athlon XPs is a bit trickier. Anyway, ive gotten this far:


Any suggestions as to removing the stuff from around the chip?

[kc8adu]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

scrape with toothpick.
looks fine otherwise.
doubt whats left will cause any harm

[quattro]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Ok, im trying to apply the AS5, im a bit worried about getting the thickness right, its really hard to tell how thick it is. Is there anyway make sure?

[davmax]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

AS5 thickness needs to be approximate. ie just make sure the whole area is covered. The thicker bits will squeeze out. It is a good idea to practice lowering the heat sink squarely and the correct placing before you apply any AS5.

[davmax]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Quatto I have viewed the videos put out by AMD. As you would have seen they apply to new installs and also do not cover Socket A installs. I have cleaned up the Socket A procedure I sent yesterday and posted in the General Computer Discussion group.
I notice you got Iso Al for cleaning, it is the best but methylated spirits will be sufficient.
By now I guess you are about completed. I hope those compressed rubbers on the processor allow for good levelling of the heatsink onto the procesor block.

[quattro]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Ok, im back up and running!
Temperatures are a bit on the high side, the system sits at around 57*C, the heatsink is warm to the touch, but i dont really mind anymore, im just glad its running.

I will probably still recap the MB/GFX eventually, as they would still be of some use running.

Although the post did go off on a bit of a tangent, thanks to all, all the same.

[MD Willington]

Re: I know theyre bad, but are they the cause?

Sorry about that, seems like they've redone a few things around the AMD site...

The links used to apply to socket A installs..

My bad!

MD