NVIDIA WHQL ForceWare Graphics Driver Version 71.89
FSP 500W Blue Storm Power Supply
NEC 17-Inch LCD712 Monitor
32-Bit Color / 60Hz Refresh Rate @ 1280X1024
Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 / DirectX 9.0c
Artic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
INSTALLATION
The photograph below is of the heatsink that is included with the retail boxed version of the Athlon 64. Note that AMD provides videos that demonstrate how to properly install a processor and heatsink.
Retail Athlon 64 Heatsink
The Akasa AK862 heatsink contains pre-applied thermal compound and is protected by a plastic cover. The aluminum fins are noticeably thicker than those on the AMD retail heatsink.
The Contender: Akasa
AK862
In preparation of applying Artic Silver 5, the pre-applied thermal compound was removed from the heatsink using Isopropyl alcohol, paper towels, and some elbow grease. A final cleaning was performed by removing the remaining thermal compound residue with a clean, lint-free, rag soaked with Isopropyl alcohol. The heatsink was then set aside to dry.
Pre-Applied Thermal Compound
The contact surface of the AK862 heatsink base was free of high or low spots. Although light machining marks were visible, lapping was necessary. After the heatsink was dry, a small amount of Artic Silver 5 was applied to the base surface and the excess wiped off. This will effectively fill in the voids left after machining.
Thermal Compound Removed
I got a little carried away applying Artic Silver 5 to the CPU. Artic Silver recommends an application that is about 2/3 the size of BB.
<
