Fitting new cpu. Any tips?

[EvilBoris]

Bought a new processor for my machine which is an am2 socket motherboard I've never changed it into an existing machine so I'm not sure If I need to do anything different to when I built it. Will I need to buy some thermal paste as I'm using the same fan/heatsink as before

[briareos_kerensky]

Yup, you'll some thermal paste if you're not going to change your HSF; well, you'll need it anyway as the thermal compound on new HSF is not really good and it's better to replace it with proper compound anyway. Just be sure that the HSF can cope with the heat generated by the new CPU, although this should be the last of your problems.

[EvilBoris]

The new one a 6400+ runs very cool anyway apparently so I should be ok. I'm not planning on overclocking either, but I'll keep an eye on it. I might see if they have any better ones when I swing past the store to get the paste

[charlesr]

Think about getting a quiet fan while you are at it (unless your CPU fan is already quiet). QuietPC sell them and paste too. I recently ditched the tiny fan on my northbridge chipset too and replaced it with an aluminium heatsink and the noise is vastly improved. Artic silver is the paste of choice I believe.

[charlesr]

And in case it doesn't come with instructions, you need to clean the chip and heatsink before applying the new thermal paste (quietpc sell a soya based cleaner combo which is amazing and cheap). Once clean, you don't need to smother it - you apply a dob a bit smaller than the chip so that once you press the heatsink on to the chip, the paste spreads out over the surface of the chip - both surfaces are pretty smooth so a small amount spreads easily.

[CMcK]

If you have anything like really fine wet and dry paper or lapping paste use it on the base of the heatsink to get the finish as smooth as possible.

And as charlesr said be careful not too apply too much paste as that's bad news and can lead to poor cooling. That's the biggest mistake people make with heatsinks.

[charlesr]

Yeah, the cheapest amount you buy will last forever. Perhaps longer.

[vanpeebles]

Use an old credit card for applying the paste, put a tiny spot on and spread it enough so the metal is covered over, a really fine gentle covering.

[EvilBoris]

Cheers for the help guys, I popped into maplins and bought some akasa thermal paste and the cleaner stuff and followed your advice.

New CPU me do, I was a little worried at first because my PC sounded like a harrier jet when it turned on and when programs were running, but it has calmed down. Does the paste take a while before it works properly?

[briareos_kerensky]

Theorically no, high grade thermal paste is efficient right from the start if it's not excessively old or has been stored in the wrong environment. Probably the thermal diode took some time to get used to the new processor or the BIOS kicks in the fan maximum spinning rate due to the high(er) CPU clock before checking the high temperature.

[EvilBoris]

It's running very high temps (in the 60s) Look like some a new HSF is needed... I hate PCs

[vanpeebles]

I put an Andy Samuari in my dads, runs well quiet and very cool. I was impressed. Daft name tho.

[EvilBoris]

Unfortuantely my case has it's own bespoken HSF which means I can't fit another one in so I've had to revert back the the old cpu.

Any in need of an AM2 6400+?

[briareos_kerensky]

Unfortuantely my case has it's own bespoken HSF which means I can't fit another one in so I've had to revert back the the old cpu.

What do you mean? First time I hear of a case with a fully integral HSF...maybe ducts to force heat out, but those are easily removable.
BTW, Artcic Cooling does some pretty small , quiet and easy to install HSFs: they are barely larger than the standard cooler so they should fit in any case.

[Myth]

Unfortuantely my case has it's own bespoken HSF which means I can't fit another one in so I've had to revert back the the old cpu.

Any in need of an AM2 6400+?

If you have to sell how much would you be looking for?