----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Cilia" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 12:10 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] AMD Duron/Athlon Socket A CPU Install question


> Hello "PCBUILDER"'s,
> I have a question concerning the installation of AMD Duron or Athlon
Socket A CPU's.  I've heard through the grapevine that these cpu's are very
sensitive and you could easily ruin one during the installation process.  My
question is why are they so sensitive?

Integrated circuits have very fine (say, one-thousandth of an inch) little
"wires" in them.  A static electricity discharge through these wires can
burn them out
just like a fuse.  Static electricity is the biggest enemy of integrated
circuits.

>  Is there a specific installation protocol that should be adhered to when
working with these items? Is there a specific area on the the cpu that you
shouldn't touch?

You should use a grounding strap, or touch a metal part of the case while
working.  You should never touch the pins of an integrated circuit, but only
the casing.

>  How much thermal grease do you use?

A very thin layer in enough.  It sort of fills in the gaps.  The two joining
pieces should both be flat and make good contact.  The thermal grease just
enhances
the contact.

>   Are heatsinks & fans a requirement? If you run without a HS or Fan will
you toast the cpu?

ABSOLUTELY!  ABSOLUTELY!   AMD cpu's have a reputation for being particulary
sensitive to heat.

>  I have chaintech motherboard and amd duron 1.3ghz cpu that I will be
putting together shortly when I pick up a case & ps for them but before I do
anything I want to make sure I don't botch up the install.  Also I'm told
that AMD CPUs & motherboards have specific power requirements and that you
need to get power supplies that are compatible with amd specs?  Wouldn't any
new atx ps fit the bill or is there special connectors involved with this
that I'm not aware of.  How about ps capacity, does anyone know if brand new
350w ps work well for this application?

An honest 350 watts should be plenty for most pc's.  Some cheaper power
supplies do not put out the power that they rate themselves at.  New Pentium
motherboards have a special 12v plug that older power supplies may not have;
however adapters are available.  I am not familiar with current AMD stuff,
so someone else will have to answer anything particular to that brand.

>  Also does anyone know where I can find some slot A (not socket A, slot A)
amd cpu's?  Are slot a & slot 1 processors the same, could you plug a slot a
cpu into a slot 1 motherboard?  Yes I know I ask alot of questions but this
pcbuild group tends to find all the answers so I'll risk it. If you have any
insight in these areas, please reply back. TIA...rob,wpg

Slot 1 is an older Intel receptor if I recall correctly.  It is a slot as
opposed to a Pin Grid Array that the newer processors use.

Dean Kukral  [log in to unmask]

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