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486 heatsink question

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First post, by Soupdragon

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Would a heatsink fan like the one sold here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280934992949?ssPage … 984.m1423.l2649 fit a Am486 DX4-120 installed in a Asus PVI-486PS3 mainboard.

The reason I ask is the CPU socket is larger than the CPU. From the photo it looks like the arms on the heatsink wouldn't be able to clasp the CPU with the socket overhanging the edges of the CPU like it does.

At the moment the CPU is running with another small heatsink fan just placed on top of it as I have no way to secure it in place.

Is it worth using thermal compound like Artic Silver on old 486 CPU's?

Last thing, is there an easy way to remove the small amount of glue from the CPU that was there when I bought it. I have tried isopropanol and also lightly heating it with a hairdryer but it wont budge.

Thanks

Reply 1 of 2, by Old Thrashbarg

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Yeah, those heatsinks will work fine, I have a few of the fanless versions. The part that clips over the edge of the CPU is pretty thin, so it won't really interfere with seating the chip in the socket.

Fancy heatsink compound is pretty much pointless in general, and especially so on older stuff with low TDPs. Just use whatever cheap crap you come across. This is the stuff I use, and there's also a grey version that seems to be the same other than the color.

As for removing the old glue, try mineral spirits or naptha. (I.e., paint thinner or lighter fluid.) That's been able to break down even the most stubborn of thermal adhesives I've encountered. Just be sure to clean with alcohol afterwards, as those chemicals tend to leave a bit of a residue.

Reply 2 of 2, by Soupdragon

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Thanks Thrashbarg very helpful 😀