Quote Originally Posted by IronBalls View Post
Improvement is perhaps bigger than I reported because I had previously sanded the IHS. It was really flat. But once the die looks like a miror. I think if I had compared " default IHS " vs direct contact we would see an 5-6 C difference.

All FX processors are soldered too.
I noticed that the circuits surrounding the die are epoxied, perhaps to prevent any solder-splatter from shorting them?

My Phenom II will also do 4 GHz @ 1.425v but I use 1.45 just to be safe. I have a couple of 890GPAs in new condition, you're welcome to try one to see if it's any better.