Question about SI-120

[Bladesinger7x]

I just recently got SI-120, however, the cpu is not significantly cooler than with the stock AMD heatsink (SI-120 stock speed 3000+ Venice ~32C idle, 40-42C load, AMD heatsink idle about the same, load 45-47C).

Is it possible the heatsink is not making good contact with the cpu . I touched the heatpipes and at idle or load they were cold to the touch (I read some
posts and they should be at lease warm if not hot).

I was a little hasty when installing :slapass: the si-120 and didn't check if the base was flat (I just lapped it a bit so that it was smooth to the touch). Should
i remove it and check again.

[eddieate]

it cant hurt to take it off and have a look, also make sure its clamped down tight enough.
what thermal paste are you using?
/Ed

[Bladesinger7x]

AS5.

Regarding the heatpipes, are they supposed to be warm or hot in idle or load
or is this dependant on the temperature. For now, I have the cpu on stock
speed (1,8GHz), as i need to test my memory first.

[eddieate]

well what does the your mobo say the cpu temps are? if theyr above 30 at 1.8ghz idle then theres probally a problem,
what fan are you using with it? if its a high CFM one then the heatpipes might well feel cool.
i suggest you run prime 95 torture test for 10 minutes and then feel the pipes and if your at all worried
then take it off and check that the core is making good contact.
you can tell if it is by the way the AS5 has spread, if its making good contact it should be kinda smudged all over.
I hope this helps :)
/Ed

[cartmanea]

Be sure you are applying the AS5 correctly too. On CPUs with IHS you don't do a thin layer, but instead a BB-sized dot in the middle and let the pressure spread it out. This will eliminate air pockets in the middle. If you spread a thin layer and the IHS or heatsink base aren't flat then you'll get really poor contact.

[Bladesinger7x]

I applied only a small blob of AS5 (the size of the rice grain), and I also tried Prime for about 10 minutes. The temperate rose from 32C idle to 42 load - however the heatpipes were not any warmer than in idle.

The fan is 120mm Noiseblocker UltraSilentFan SX2 Blue Rev.2 - at 12v its about 75CFM @30dBa &1850 rpm - i'm running it at 1400 -1450 rpm so its :confused: CFM and :confused: dBa.

I will probably uninstall the heatsink :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: and check the contact just to ease my mind :toast: .

[cartmanea]

If the IHS or heatsink base are really concave it could take more than a grain of rice amount. I lapped the IHS on a p4 2.8c and it improved temps by almost 5 degrees, that one was really bad.