HAs anyone had to return a processor? If so, how do they know what type of heatsink/fan you used on it? I know many of them say you have to use a approved heatsink/fan in order to not void your warranty. Is there a way to tell?

I don't think they could know if you used a different heatsink and fan, and that you can void a warranty by sing a different heatsink. You logicly use a different heatsink and fan because it's better then stock ones.

They could possibly tell if its been improperly mounted by the type of melt down the processor had. If you wipe off the thermal paste theres no remnant of the heat sink left on the processor. Other than claiming that a properly mounted approved heat sink would have prevented the failure I can't think of a way they could tell.

Thanks guys, i think i have decided what i need to do. go with the proper gear to keep my machine cool.