Hi all, Basically I've got a Core Duo (mobile) running on MSI 945GT Speedster, and I always wanted to replace the stock cooler with my old Swiftech HSF (skt 478). And to do that, I will need a shim as the CPU has an un-protected core unlike desktop processors. However... shims seem to be quite out of fashion nowadays, I can't find it anywhere Does anyone know where I can buy one, or has anyone got one spare please? Thanks.
Wow... haven't seen that word in a while. Anyways, you only need one if you're really careless with your HSF installation. All the old Athlon chips were unprotected, and I literally had to take a hammer to one to break the core (yes, it was already dead). Logic tells me that the silicon is just as resilient to damage now as it was then. In a couple words: just be careful and you'll be fine. *not liable for damages/stupidity*
Seconding Firehed. You really don't need a shim, if you're careful and install the heatsink correctly. And for the love of god keep the heatsink level with your motherboard when installing! I did an experiment with some weights and an old Duron. 2kgs before it crashed because the weights were blocking the heatsink fan. *Also not liable for any damages. (Coming from somebody who owns www.crushed-core.com)
Yeah, extreme overclockers spend painfull hours working to remove the shim, because you can knock up to 10C off your temperatures by not having an IHS. As firehed says, don't be stupid and it'll all go a-ok.
Yeah having no IHS lowers the core temperature, but shim is AFAIK a slightly other story. As far as I've understood, they don't come over the core, but around it. Actually a cooper shim can lower the temperature in some cases... They are nice things, but haven't seen any for a long while.. Though haven't searched either. Good luck with your hunt!
the only shimes i have seen are from Athlon 462 or otherwise know as 'SKT A' most were suppled with SKT A shuttles, or with phase change coolers. unless the HSF you intend to use is 5kg or more i wouldn't worry about having a shim. layers of electrical tap can help spread the weight if you really are scared. remember not to cover the core with tap! lol!
There was another reason for a (genuine) spacing shim when the sink (or processor) had been modded and the standard clip left a clearance under the sink - I forget the full story, way back last millennium. Saw one made out of a silver dollar. Heatspreader technically.
that was with the zalman or koolance water cooling on the 775 believe? they provided a shim of round copper that made up the difference in height.
Another vote here for it not mattering very much. I've got a mobile Sempron and it's in the same situation. The old Athlons had little rubber pads to level the heatsink even if you didn't use a shim, but mine doesn't even have that and I've not had a problem. As it turns out, exposed-core processors require less clamping force than those with an IHS. Since most coolers are designed to clamp correctly on top of an IHS, your thinner processor will see less pressure and it'll end up working out perfectly. Just be careful, keep the heatsink level during installation, and don't drop your computer.
you actually have a little more leeway with the mobile duos than the athlons because the duos have thermal throttling, unlike the athlons.
