BleepingComputer.com: Install heatsink fan help

I seem to be having trouble installing the heatsink fan onto the CPU. For some reason when I clip it on one side, I can't clip the other side because it doesn't reach. I tried to force it to clip but I'm afraid I might damage some components.
Any suggestions/help?

P.S. Its an AMD Phenom II x4 955 CPU that also comes with the heatsink fan

This may be a stupid question, but are you sure the Mobo is the right kind for an AMD chip? Also, if it's an after market cooler, it probably comes with an adapter for AMD, make sure it's on.

I'm sure it is. Well my mobo is GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard and the CPU is AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor

Also, make sure the processor was seated all the way into the socket, before it was locked in.

yeah I did that also

Since it's an AMD board, and a factory heatsink/fan, it should work.
It will be a tight fit, but it should fit.
Attach the side opposite the latch first, then the latch side.
Once you go to latch it, it will also be hard.
Has to be tight, to properly do it's job.

If you still have problems, could you post some closeup pics?

Maybe I just have to force the clips to lock onto it but I'm afraid I might damage or break the CPU.

The builder in the video in the link below has a little trouble, too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkyYHSRQYUI...feature=channel

I have seen mentioned here in this forum how much gook to use between the
cpu and fan. This isn't what I would call a "thin" layer.

Quote

About the size of a 1/2 grain of rice
Instructions:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/ins_route_step2amdas5.html

With the 4 AMD builds I've done, I find it easier mounting the heatsink with the motherboard outside of the computer, on the tabletop. The stock clamps do take a fair amount of pressure to clip on

I'm having trouble trying to clip this thing. It seems like theres no way this thing can clip. Heres the picture although I apologize for the really bad quality.

The clip is pretty close to the bracket but the metal is pretty tough to push down.

Can't tell much, from the photo.
You did take off the protective plastic cover, on the bottom of the heatsink, right?

There was no plastic cover on the bottom nor was there any thermal paste pre-applied on it. Luckily I bought an Arctic Silver thermal grease.

AMD heatsinks are renown for being extremnely tight ft in my experience. You will have to use a tool to "lever" it down and clip it in place, but make sure the lever arm is at its loesest setting first, also if you use a screw driver to force it down, ensure its a snug fit into the clip to avoid slipping and damaging the motherboard.

But this is common and a little careful elbow grease will get you sorted!

Another thing to check is the other side is perfectly seated and not hugging the clip edge (this sometimes happens then suddenly jolts off when you least expect it : )

High500

the clip in the photo looks to be the opposite side from the latch. put that one on first. the latch will have some give to it (especialy if it's in the open position) and you should be able ot fiddle with it to make it hook on.

stock amd heatsink clips should be able to seat themselves onto the hooks for the heatsink without much trouble (if the latch is set to the open position, giving you the most leeway possible) there's really no reason why it shouldn't fit on there. if you have to bend the clips/crossbar to much to clip it on, you're doing something wrong or the heatsink doesn't fit properly.


*make sure you first seat the side opposite from the latch

*make sure the latch is in the open position

the latch should be able to be tilted ( such as / \ to hook on)

try this site for video walkthrough straight from AMD http://www.amd.com/gb-uk/Support/0,,238_251_6244,00.html

Actually looking at that image it sounds like you are right case.bolt. Looks like you have attached the wrong side first to the socket Roah. Nice link too!

High500