CPU fan installation question/problem

[vrask]

Hi all:

I'm just installing an Intel Core Duo processor from the retail box. As I was attaching the heatsink/fan, a small piece of black plastic broke off one of the legs (probably my fault for fiddling with the turning mechanism). It's one of the two tiny pieces that sticks up vertically in the side of the legs. I have now taken the fan back off. The question is, will it still attach properly and function without that piece of plastic? And also, if I reattach the fan, will I need to get some more paste? The paste that was pre-applied out of the box looks quite evenly spread across the surfaces now.

Thanks for any advice for this first time builder.

[Apoptosis]

you should always use new thermal paste or material when you remove a heat sink and put it back on, so you might want to grab a tube locally or order high performance compound online.

As far as the broken plastic... If the 'leg' still can be inserted and locked into place on the board you should be good to go. that just helps keep the leg aligned right and it might be harder to unlock when you go to remove it next.

[vrask]

Thanks for the advice! Another quick question - should I remove the remaining original paste before applying new? If so, do I need any kind of special cleaner or cloth?

Again - thanks for answering.

[ibleet]

Yes absolutely, clean the original compound off before applying new. I clean it off with something non-abrasive, like a coffee filter, as to not scratch the cpu or the heatsink.

Also with the broken plastic on the HS, make sure all 4 legs are holding or the heatsink will not make solid contact with the cpu and your temps will be inflated.

[GTS]

make sure to clean the original paste before apllying a new paste.may be with alcohol or gasoline will be fine