First O/C experience :(

[KraM]

I have a AMD Athlon 1.2GHz system with an Asus A7V133 (KT133A). The CPU cooler I had was really bad (55C ~), so I decided to get a new one. I thought I could overclock it a bit too. So, I bought a ThermalTake Volcano 7+, because it got a good review at www.dansdata.com

When taking the old cooler off, I broke the plastic tab off the CPU socket. Now I can't attach the cooler properly. Currently I just have the cooler sitting on the CPU with the case sideways, and underclocked to 800MHz.

I've tried tying wire from the cooler through the holes next to the socket to hold it in place, but I can't get enough pressure. It just crashes if I stand the case up, but it works when on it side.

Does anyone know of any other way of attaching the cooler? ANY ideas welcome

If I can't attach it properly I have two options:

1. Buy a new KT133A board to replace the Asus.

2. Buy a new DDR333 mobo, RAM and CPU.

Option 1 doesn't feel right because I don't like buying technology that old. Option 2 is possible, but I'm a student and don't like throwing that kind of money around. If I go option 2 the RAM won't go to waste and I can find a new home for the CPU What do you think is a better choice for me?

Umm, will a Thunderbird CPU work in a new DDR333 motherboard? It would be nice if it did, but would that be wasting the capabilities of the RAM and mobo?

Here are some prices I have gathered:
Option 1:
Epox 8KTA3L+(KT133A) $167

Option 2:
Epox 8K3A (KT333) $218
AMD Athlon XP1800+ $240
512MB PC2700 DDR-SDRAM $497
Total: $955

These are Australian prices and if anyone can point me to better AUD prices from Australian vendors, please do

ATM, it's $167 vs. $955 though, which is better value? Will the speed difference be that significant?

[KraM]

The socket actually has extra tabs on it...but these are off to each side a bit. Maybe there is a clip i can get that will use these tabs instead of the (broken) one in the middle. Anyone know?

[zgf2022]

you will have to look a different heatsinks, but i know that there are a few companies that produce heatsinks that have clips that use all 3 tabs, it might be able to latch on

[SickPup404]

I use an OCZ Gladiator SE on an ABIT KT7A-RAID and it uses all three tabs on the socket.

See the following thread for more ideas on the broken tab problem:
Broken socket 462 heatsink tab

[thekingofpain]

OMG!---

Currently I just have the cooler sitting on the CPU with the case sideways, and underclocked to 800MHz.

[Xeroid]

I wuz just looking for that thread SicpPup404.

A broken tab is easily remedied with a HSF that has a clip that uses all 3 tabs on each side of the socket.

Mike

[Xeroid]

Originally posted by thekingofpain
OMG!---

Whatever you do, don't bump the case! You might want to turn it off now!

Mike

[KraM]

Nah, it's fine, I've bumped it a few times. It just freezes guys

Why not use some Arctic Silver Epoxy?

[KraM]

Originally posted by prexaspes
Why not use some Arctic Silver Epoxy?

I'm not familiar with that...Do you mean glue the heatsink on?... to the core?