Hi, I build AMD XP 1700 on GA-7VAX. In BIOS, I found CPU temp is over 100. After a while, CPU burned. Between heatsink and CPU chip, I didn't apply anything like silicon gel. I wonder if this is the only reason. I check this link about suggested MB by AMD: http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_182_869_4348%5E4378%7C125_3_XP,00.html There has a note on the GA-7VAX: Notes for: GA-7VAX ECN: ECNR00223 required. For information or questions regarding ECNs please contact the motherboard vendor. Motherboard incorporates CPU temperature protection. Does here anybody tell me what's the note for and what I should follow to do right for prevent to burn my cpu on ga-7vax? Thank you very much. Cwood

how did you burn your cpu if you have your heatsink attached firmly?????? even tho if you didn't put any thermal compound to your cpu, it won't be that easy to burn up. what kind of cpu fan you are using? you need at least get your amd cpu temperature to 90Celeuis to burn up your cpu!!! and i don't think you are even this far yet.

and one more thing just so you know don't ever use the fan that come with the amd cpu because they suck. get volcano 7 or 9 instead, works good.

the retail fans are just fine. why would amd put them with their chips if they didnt do the job? And give you a warranty on top of that. I use them and had no heat problem. As for frying your cpu my question would be did you at least remove the plastic protection paper that was on the underside of the heatsink? I would agree with ryan that even if you applied the heatsink with no compound it wouldnt be that easy to fry the cpu so quick. Sounds like you had no heatsink on or did not click the heatsink in place.

i am also using 7VAX with athlon xp 2100+(also had 2000+) using normal cheap silicon compound and Volcano 7 heatsink with a 4800rpm fan from EVERCOOL!!!! my temps at idle are around 36C and at full load at 44C!!!!!! You must have done something wrong!!!!!! no other reason! it's a very "cool" running motherboard!

hi, I have also used GA-7VAX motherboard, but I only using amd1400 tb, I used coolmaster which is copper heatsink, the fan speed is 7336 rpm, is it somthing wrong? because I always heard the fans speed maximum is 6000-6500, but my one is 7336 rmp. I didn't put on the paste on the cpu first time, as I am new to bulid computer, and it went to 58-60, and I can't imagine yr cpu is fry so quick......and now I read the room here, then I know I need to put the silicon compound onto the cpu, and the temp is drop to 43, is it so important to put it on the cpu? I dun know, but when I put it on the cpu and then cover the heatsink fans, then it drop back to 43-46, then I think the paste is important.... I have been using the GA-7VAX for 3 months, it is very good, stable, hope u all enjoy it...thanks

My bet is that you forgot to connect the fan to the connector...so It wasn't spinning... I've done that many times, but I have a P4 so It never fries!