Hey I have some questions regarding the installation of my CPU heatsink and fan. I dont want to use the fan that came with my cpu and mobo because.. well, it sucks. I wanted to order a new Thermal Take fan, but im afraid that demensions and size of it will be too big for my cpu or too big for my mobo. I'm building my own computer for the first time so im pretty much learning everything as i go, can someone explain this to me? Also, i was hoping someone could shed some light on the Thermal Compound. Once you install your heatsink and fan, can it be removed without messing up the heatsink? as you can tell im a bit clueless here. Thank you. ~soul

First you have to tell us what CPU you went with. Each CPU requires a different size fan. I have a thermal take fan myself and i highly recomend it. AS for the heatsink compound apply it to the top of the processor chip, then put the heatsink/fan on top. It CAN be removed later without messing anything up, but i recommend that you be carefull not to remove any of it, or apply more as the compound is very important to transfer heat from your CPU to the heatsink. Make sure you follow up on what CPU you bought.

I have a Athlon XP 2600. Sorry i didnt specify, thought i did heh :x. So does the thermal compound touch the heatsink of the fan? I'm a bit confused as to how it all works. Thanks.

This also might be helpful, here is a link to the fan I was going to get: http://www.thermaltake.com/products/heatsink/v11plus.htm

If you plan on removing the heatsink alot then use the compound. If you plan on leaving the heatsink when its installed correctly then use the pad. The pads tend to last a lot longer than the compound do. But never use them both at the same time.