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Xbox360 Forums => Xbox360 Hardware Forums => Xbox360 General / Hardware Chat => Topic started by: sugarshane on May 02, 2007, 05:34:00 PM

Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: sugarshane on May 02, 2007, 05:34:00 PM
I successfully removed the x clamps from my 360, and for about a month it worked great. Unfortunately, It's freezing again and getting the 3rlod. Here are some of the possible explanations I came up with(But of course, I'm sure many of you will have a much better idea than I do):

1. I used washers that may have been too thick and the motherboard didn't really sit down all the way until I screwed it it.

2. I used really shitty thermal paste (radioshack brand) on the chipsets

That's really all I could come up with. But from past experience, I'm sure many of you can bail me out on this one just like the xbox-scene forums have done so many times before.

         Thanks in advance.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: 89c4l98 on May 02, 2007, 05:42:00 PM
In short of telling you to sell it on ebay... try the x-clamp replacement again with the correct parts.. try artic silver 5.. and if all else fails

heat gun
oven
towel


and finally if none of them work.. use it to cook a egg.. search you tube for the video
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: booker on May 02, 2007, 07:57:00 PM
QUOTE(89c4l98 @ May 3 2007, 12:42 AM) *

In short of telling you to sell it on ebay... try the x-clamp replacement again with the correct parts.. try artic silver 5.. and if all else fails

heat gun
oven
towel
and finally if none of them work.. use it to cook a egg.. search you tube for the video


it give me the impression you won´t be the only one. For some reason i think the longer we wait more people will start seeing the 3rl again.

it would be great to have a poll for those who vote that the x clamp fix your xbox without issues if is still running or if you start experiencing problems after a while.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: 89c4l98 on May 02, 2007, 08:06:00 PM
the x-clamp is the best of the home made fixes.. nothing is 100%  but better then the heatgun, towel, oven , etc etc which only last days to a week enough.. some may stay working.. some may die .
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: SnufftheCrimeDog on May 02, 2007, 09:28:00 PM
@Sugarshane

Who's tut did you use Lawdawgs or RBJTechs? Just outta curiosity. If you guys use Lawdawgs and it ends up failing on you, you have nothing to lose by trying RBJTechs(unless you used his from the get go). If you did use RBJTechs I would go tell you to use Lawdawgs, but it would be hard if you followed RBJTechs guide step by step to make up for the drilled out heatsinks, unless you just used the orginal thread and longer M5 bolts. I think a poll will be necessary, I am willing to admit my opinion may be slightly biased because I had one fixed xbox 360 almost up for 2 months now.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: JakeDunn on May 02, 2007, 09:36:00 PM
QUOTE(booker @ May 2 2007, 06:57 PM) *

it give me the impression you won´t be the only one. For some reason i think the longer we wait more people will start seeing the 3rl again.


Dude, I've seen you post at every opportunity you see regarding x-clamps (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)  (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) .

All I have to say is, just use whatever method works now, and enjoy it while it lasts until something else comes around, because if youre already out of warranty, you dont really have much of an option.

No need for constant paranoia -.-'
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: booker on May 02, 2007, 09:50:00 PM
QUOTE(JakeDunn @ May 3 2007, 04:36 AM) *

Dude, I've seen you post at every opportunity you see regarding x-clamps (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)  (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) .

All I have to say is, just use whatever method works now, and enjoy it while it lasts until something else comes around, because if youre already out of warranty, you dont really have much of an option.

No need for constant paranoia -.-'


LOL... i have to agree with you.. i guess i´m still shocked my 360 last only 8 month (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

oh well...
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: The Prankster on May 02, 2007, 09:59:00 PM
I used lawdawgs, fine for 3 months now, and I even broke off a capacitator in the process, works fine lol, I would take the effort to fix it, but hell if it works fuck it dude. I play halo 2 on it for hours on end, not a problem. I also used the radioshack brand... it's bright white stuff, but seriously HOW MUCH better do you guys really think a simple heat paste could get? I just think you probably didn't put the right washers in, and/or not enough heatsink paste, I put a big gobb of that shit on, I also sit my 360 on an aluminum 360 sized cooking sheet, since it's naturally cold, cools down the air moving in on the bottom.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: SnufftheCrimeDog on May 02, 2007, 10:08:00 PM
@JakeDunn

Ok, firstly I tend to have to sympathize with Booker. I know I would be all over these forums if I couldnt get my xbox to start up again, luckily I have been able too. Hell I'm still all over these forums trying to provide advice and insight, and I am by no means any expert, but 3 out of the 3 xbox's Ive fixed are still running including mine, which is been up for 2 months now( not trying to brag by any means). Microsoft deserves a swift kick to crotch for coming up with such a god awful way of designing the xbox 360.

@booker
While I do sympathize with you my friend, I definitely think you should give RBJTechs tut a whirl before claming that all xbox 360s will eventually come back to the red lights. In theory, this SHOULD work, and it does work. It all about how you look at it. Your xbox is freezing correct? That means something up with the GPU, the heatsink is not making a good connection with the die, as RBJTech said as it expands due to heat connection is lost, and that were you get the freeze. When you tighten down the heatsink hard it locks it in place and when that chip does expaned, nothing happens and you can play on. This is why I took the spring washer out of my version of RBJTechs fix, its a good idea, but my idea is that without it the heatsink cant move, therefore its lock down. Will this have negative results in the future god I hope not! As of right now it working. Stay with me here now. Lawdawgs tutorial worked for you for a week. Just your xbox coming back to life is a sign its fixable. You are missing a key component. A lock nut, I know I must sound crazy, but yea. This keeps everything tight! Which is GOOD, it allows no movement on it own. So please booker give RBJTechs a try.

Now that I ranted my butt off, Sugarshane, booker, and anyone else who is experiencing freezing/red lights after the x-clamp removal if you haven't already give RBJTechs tutorial a try, try it now, you have nothing to lose. No, hes not my close personal friend or anything. I've done lawdawgs fix aswell mine started freezing too. Please dont get the wrong idea, Im not saying down with lawdawgs tutorial. I am simply identifying what has worked for me and what I suggest to you.

This post has been edited by SnufftheCrimeDog: May 3 2007, 05:11 AM
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: booker on May 02, 2007, 10:19:00 PM
QUOTE(SnufftheCrimeDog @ May 3 2007, 05:08 AM) *

@JakeDunn

Ok, firstly I tend to have to sympathize with Booker. I know I would be all over these forums if I couldnt get my xbox to start up again, luckily I have been able too. Hell I'm still all over these forums trying to provide advice and insight, and I am by no means any expert, but 3 out of the 3 xbox's Ive fixed are still running including mine, which is been up for 2 months now( not trying to brag by any means). Microsoft deserves a swift kick to crotch for coming up with such a god awful way of designing the xbox 360.

@booker
While I do sympathize with you my friend, I definitely think you should give RBJTechs tut a whirl before claming that all xbox 360s will eventually come back to the red lights. In theory, this SHOULD work, and it does work. It all about how you look at it. Your xbox is freezing correct? That means something up with the GPU, the heatsink is not making a good connection with the die, as RBJTech said as it expands due to heat connection is lost, and that were you get the freeze. When you tighten down the heatsink hard it locks it in place and when that chip does expaned, nothing happens and you can play on. This is why I took the spring washer out of my version of RBJTechs fix, its a good idea, but my idea is that without it the heatsink cant move, therefore its lock down. Will this have negative results in the future god I hope not! As of right now it working. Stay with me here now. Lawdawgs tutorial worked for you for a week. Just your xbox coming back to life is a sign its fixable. You are missing a key component. A lock nut, I know I must sound crazy, but yea. This keeps everything tight! Which is GOOD, it allows no movement on it own. So please booker give RBJTechs a try.

Now that I ranted my butt off, Sugarshane, booker, and anyone else who is experiencing freezing/red lights after the x-clamp removal if you haven't already give RBJTechs tutorial a try, try it now, you have nothing to lose. No, hes not my close personal friend or anything. I've done lawdawgs fix aswell mine started freezing too. Please dont get the wrong idea, Im not saying down with lawdawgs tutorial. I am simply identifying what has worked for me and what I suggest to you.


I´ll try the RBJtech method then... believe me when i say i hate to post about x clamp and 3rl.. i wish i could fix mine and forget about it and just play the damn thing (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I´ll try RBjtech... but i may need some help while doing it, because since i´m not from US i´m not sure what type of washer do you guys use. Example Spring washer.. i don´t have any idea what a spring washer is.. is plastic? rubber? metalic?...
On the other hand, the flat metal and Nylon are the same... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

And i promise.. i´ll stop posting negative feedback (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

BTW... 3 months?.. WOW.. i hate you!! (in a good way) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: The Prankster on May 03, 2007, 07:42:00 AM
well, a washer is a washer, forget about the spring thing, the setup is just two washers thick on each side of the motherboard between the head of the bolt to the heatsink fixture, two nylon or plastic, or rubber washers to make sure the metal washers don't touch the motherboard. It's all said in the tutorial though.

I think spring washers are just another name for a normal washer. I don't know though... doesn't matter here.

This post has been edited by The Prankster: May 3 2007, 02:42 PM
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: grim_d on May 03, 2007, 08:21:00 AM
a spring washer is metal and literlaly looks like a section of a spring.

it's basically a washer with a cut in it

search google
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: sugarshane on May 03, 2007, 09:25:00 AM
Well I used thinner washers so the motherboard would sit down more completely but that didn't seem to work. My question now is if the problem was a lack of thermal paste wouldn't that result in overheating, and not freezing and the 3rlod?
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: booker on May 03, 2007, 09:46:00 AM
QUOTE(The Prankster @ May 3 2007, 02:42 PM) *

well, a washer is a washer, forget about the spring thing, the setup is just two washers thick on each side of the motherboard between the head of the bolt to the heatsink fixture, two nylon or plastic, or rubber washers to make sure the metal washers don't touch the motherboard. It's all said in the tutorial though.

I think spring washers are just another name for a normal washer. I don't know though... doesn't matter here.



Thanks.. i know what a spring washer is.. but i´m not sure wich one to buy. there are many kind of sprin washers.. here are my options.

http://www.gatatornillos.com.ar/arandelas.html

 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/uhh.gif)
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: SnufftheCrimeDog on May 03, 2007, 01:53:00 PM
QUOTE(sugarshane @ May 3 2007, 11:25 AM) *

Well I used thinner washers so the motherboard would sit down more completely but that didn't seem to work. My question now is if the problem was a lack of thermal paste wouldn't that result in overheating, and not freezing and the 3rlod?


Then it has nothing to do with the washers. Thermal paste will only help with overheating problem and or error code 0020, it may help but that alone will come no where close to solving 0102. Before I can even try to help You Sugarshane I need to know whose method you used for fixing your xbox from there I can try to diagnose what could be your possible problems.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: sugarshane on May 03, 2007, 02:00:00 PM
QUOTE(SnufftheCrimeDog @ May 3 2007, 08:53 PM) *

Then it has nothing to do with the washers. Thermal paste will only help with overheating problem and or error code 0020, it may help but that alone will come no where close to solving 0102. Before I can even try to help You Sugarshane I need to know whose method you used for fixing your xbox from there I can try to diagnose what could be your possible problems.


First let me say that I appreciate your willingness to help.

I used Lawdogs tutorial.

I thought it may have been the washers because with the motherboard not seated down all the way (Due to the washers) it kind of bent a little when I screwed it down. Maybe that caused the solder points to be compromised much in the same way that the x clamps caused it to do.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: brywalker on May 03, 2007, 03:26:00 PM
I did mine even before the tutorials existed. In fact, I was the one who posted the screw thread size.

My system has been working 110% since I did it. Actually, it runs cooler and quieter than before!
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: sugarshane on May 03, 2007, 04:31:00 PM
QUOTE(brywalker @ May 3 2007, 10:26 PM) *

I did mine even before the tutorials existed. In fact, I was the one who posted the screw thread size.

My system has been working 110% since I did it. Actually, it runs cooler and quieter than before!



Wow! You are so amazing. You must be the smartest person ever. I hope someday I can be like you.


Is that what you were looking for when you posted that?
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: SnufftheCrimeDog on May 03, 2007, 05:24:00 PM
Ok now lets not get smart. Heres the deal  Sugarshane, you can do two things. One go back in a re-tighten all the bolts into the heatsink, most likely the GPU side. That will work, but your xbox is prone to start freezing again. Second thing you can do is RBJTechs tutorial. It more secure it really bolts the heatsink to the chip really well so you do not receive freezing or loss of connections. Try both, I think you have more postivie results using RBJTechs tutorial I fixed 3 this way there all still working.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: brywalker on May 03, 2007, 05:33:00 PM
QUOTE(sugarshane @ May 3 2007, 11:31 PM) *

Wow! You are so amazing. You must be the smartest person ever. I hope someday I can be like you.
Is that what you were looking for when you posted that?


Yeah, that was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!  (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Actually, I was trying to show how long ago I did the fix by stating that it predated the "official" tutorials. Should I have just gone back and found the exact date instead?

Dokworm did a bunch of these WELL before it was documented. I haven't heard of any of those failing at all.

Now, even though you were a complete douchebag to me, I am going to help you out anyway.

You need Arctic Silver. Period. I used Artic Silver 5.

I used nylon washers. I don't remember the sizes, but the top one was thicker than the bottom. The bottom one was almost translucent it was so thin...#10 maybe? Thickness has to be somewhere around .05 - .062. The thin one is somewhere around .025 (I don't have a micrometer here). Thin between head and board / thicker between board and sink. I used 1 washer between the board and the sink.

Under the GPU heatsink I got thermal pads for the RAM - I used 1.5mm and just torqued slowly so they spread - so you can transfer the heat from the RAM to the sink. I also put heatsinks on the RAM on the top. I have not found a good way to cool the bottom sinks so as of right now I am not. I don't like the thick thermal pads they put on stock now unless there is a way to fill the channel of the RF shield where the memory sits. Too much of an air gap in there to do any real good.

For the screws, I used M5 BUTTON-HEAD allens. #10. These will fit without altering the RF shield at all if you are going to not go through it. They will touch the RF shield, but it won't bow the board when it is installed. Fits perfectly.

Make sure you hand tighten them down evenly. Then go from each one and do a .25 turn on each one until they are tight. Don't Sven torque it, just get them so they are tight enough that they can't just spin out. You will know when they are good.

Good luck. This is the perfect fix. Don't do the heat gun/towel/rubber pads. They are all band-aids and won't actually fix the problem. They just stop the bleed for a little bit.

Oh, and I have NO IDEA where to get these screws. My friend works in a factory and was able to get a few from the bin there. The only ones I found in my local hardware store were the PAN-HEAD and they are too big.

This post has been edited by brywalker: May 4 2007, 12:36 AM
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: SnufftheCrimeDog on May 03, 2007, 05:52:00 PM
Hmm, well thats cool Brywalker that your is still kicking, good to hear too. I used Lawdawgs method on one xbox and it crapped out after a month redid it with RBJTechs and viola its back and running. So, I've come to alot of conclusions(mind you I may be way off) as I've been able to observe 3 xboxes, and 2 of them have been two different fixes. With Lawdawgs tutorial simple,efficient, effective, but dodgy in some aspects. Dodgy because you are simply screwing an m5 screw into the existing threads. Well if A.) Not tightened enough, B.) Bad threads(more possible then you would think) lead to loosening and an uneven connection with the die, IE freezing, or C.) The system vibration loosen the screw or jerk it enough that it has again an uneven connection. Dont get me wrong it'll work but depending on your xbox and how often you play it. Not with RBJTechs, his is secure and precise, but at the same time is more difficult then Lawdawgs. His you go through the metal case through the heatsink and clamp down with a lock nut at the top of each bolt. This is sturdy, very sturdy if done right, and can prolong play time. So what method you use is up to you, it all depends on your confidence. If one doesnt work try the other one.

This post has been edited by SnufftheCrimeDog: May 4 2007, 12:53 AM
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: The Prankster on May 03, 2007, 08:56:00 PM
QUOTE
You need Arctic Silver. Period. I used Artic Silver 5.

Arctic silver 5 isn't MIRACLE PASTE sir. We can all live happy lives without getting this stuff, any ol' stuff will do, just make sure you cover the surface well. I don't believe that grain of rice amount stuff, if it was that little you would have minimal contact to disperse heat away from the cpu into the heatsink. Also I myself would never order a tube of paste for 12$ online and 5$ or more for shipping most likely. Though I live like a mile from a radioshack so it's more convenient for me to go there. I think people get it more for the aftermath of saying 'I used arctic silver 5' because of the somewhat cool sounding name. Has anyone actually tested the differences between radioshack/arctic silver/other brands of heatsink paste? Yes maybe it's better, but once again... A heat transfer paste can only be SOOOOO goood.

This post has been edited by The Prankster: May 4 2007, 03:57 AM
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: sugarshane on May 03, 2007, 09:19:00 PM
Dude I meant nothing by that. I just forget sometimes that friendly sarcasm doesn't translate well over the internet. And thanks for the insight.


QUOTE(brywalker @ May 4 2007, 12:33 AM) *

Yeah, that was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!  (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Actually, I was trying to show how long ago I did the fix by stating that it predated the "official" tutorials. Should I have just gone back and found the exact date instead?

Dokworm did a bunch of these WELL before it was documented. I haven't heard of any of those failing at all.

Now, even though you were a complete douchebag to me, I am going to help you out anyway.

You need Arctic Silver. Period. I used Artic Silver 5.

I used nylon washers. I don't remember the sizes, but the top one was thicker than the bottom. The bottom one was almost translucent it was so thin...#10 maybe? Thickness has to be somewhere around .05 - .062. The thin one is somewhere around .025 (I don't have a micrometer here). Thin between head and board / thicker between board and sink. I used 1 washer between the board and the sink.

Under the GPU heatsink I got thermal pads for the RAM - I used 1.5mm and just torqued slowly so they spread - so you can transfer the heat from the RAM to the sink. I also put heatsinks on the RAM on the top. I have not found a good way to cool the bottom sinks so as of right now I am not. I don't like the thick thermal pads they put on stock now unless there is a way to fill the channel of the RF shield where the memory sits. Too much of an air gap in there to do any real good.

For the screws, I used M5 BUTTON-HEAD allens. #10. These will fit without altering the RF shield at all if you are going to not go through it. They will touch the RF shield, but it won't bow the board when it is installed. Fits perfectly.

Make sure you hand tighten them down evenly. Then go from each one and do a .25 turn on each one until they are tight. Don't Sven torque it, just get them so they are tight enough that they can't just spin out. You will know when they are good.

Good luck. This is the perfect fix. Don't do the heat gun/towel/rubber pads. They are all band-aids and won't actually fix the problem. They just stop the bleed for a little bit.

Oh, and I have NO IDEA where to get these screws. My friend works in a factory and was able to get a few from the bin there. The only ones I found in my local hardware store were the PAN-HEAD and they are too big.

Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: brywalker on May 03, 2007, 10:29:00 PM
QUOTE(The Prankster @ May 4 2007, 03:56 AM) *

Arctic silver 5 isn't MIRACLE PASTE sir. We can all live happy lives without getting this stuff, any ol' stuff will do, just make sure you cover the surface well. I don't believe that grain of rice amount stuff, if it was that little you would have minimal contact to disperse heat away from the cpu into the heatsink. Also I myself would never order a tube of paste for 12$ online and 5$ or more for shipping most likely. Though I live like a mile from a radioshack so it's more convenient for me to go there. I think people get it more for the aftermath of saying 'I used arctic silver 5' because of the somewhat cool sounding name. Has anyone actually tested the differences between radioshack/arctic silver/other brands of heatsink paste? Yes maybe it's better, but once again... A heat transfer paste can only be SOOOOO goood.


I think you need to do a little research. You can easily shave 5c off of the temps by using a metallic based thermal compound over the Radio Shack silicone based stuff. It doesn't HAVE to be Arctic Silver 5. You can use Arctic Silver 3, Cooler Master kind, etc. When dealing with items that run VERY close to the safe tolerances heat-wise, you want to do everything you can to keep it down.

I have been working on computers for a VERY long time. I refuse to use anything other than AS as a compound. It has been a night and day difference for the performance systems I have built when getting every last bit of power with maximum heat removal.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: lawdawg0931 on May 03, 2007, 11:43:00 PM
QUOTE(brywalker @ May 3 2007, 06:33 PM) *
Actually, I was trying to show how long ago I did the fix by stating that it predated the "official" tutorials. Should I have just gone back and found the exact date instead?

Dokworm did a bunch of these WELL before it was documented.


I have mentioned the fact (in my tutorial) that most of the info in my tutorial came from Dokworms trial & errors. I'm getting alot of credit for putting this tutorial together, but I must "Pay it Forward" so to say. The technical side was well on its way, before I put this tutorial together. I too had removed my X clamps long before my tutorial was in written form. Glad WE can help all who benefit from this info.

@SnufftheCrimeDog
I agree with you about RBJTech's mod being much more secure, I have used it myself. I found a bolt that is just smaller than the threads of the heatsink, so it passes through (barely). Because of this, it is still reversible, but takes advantage of bolting the board to the case - without drilling out the heatsinks. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: booker on May 04, 2007, 12:49:00 AM
QUOTE(lawdawg0931 @ May 4 2007, 06:43 AM) *

I have mentioned the fact (in my tutorial) that most of the info in my tutorial came from Dokworms trial & errors. I'm getting alot of credit for putting this tutorial together, but I must "Pay it Forward" so to say. The technical side was well on its way, before I put this tutorial together. I too had removed my X clamps long before my tutorial was in written form. Glad WE can help all who benefit from this info.

@SnufftheCrimeDog
I agree with you about RBJTech's mod being much more secure, I have used it myself. I found a bolt that is just smaller than the threads of the heatsink, so it passes through (barely). Because of this, it is still reversible, but takes advantage of bolting the board to the case - without drilling out the heatsinks. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)


You just answered one of my questions.
I´ll try the RBJ method because with yours i´m getting freezing after 1week of use more or less. I have to tight the screews every week.
I don´t want to drill the HS, because i want to have this option available.. so i´ll use a smaller screws so i can pass through witout drilling.

Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: SlickWilly440 on May 04, 2007, 05:22:00 AM
QUOTE(brywalker @ May 4 2007, 05:29 AM) *

I have been working on computers for a VERY long time. I refuse to use anything other than AS as a compound. It has been a night and day difference for the performance systems I have built when getting every last bit of power with maximum heat removal.



So how much AS5 do I need to cover the CPU/GPU?  Is the 3.5g one enough or do I need more? Thanks.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: brywalker on May 04, 2007, 07:12:00 AM
QUOTE(SlickWilly440 @ May 4 2007, 12:22 PM) *

So how much AS5 do I need to cover the CPU/GPU?  Is the 3.5g one enough or do I need more? Thanks.


You could probably do about 50 applications with the 3.5g tube. You want to put a dot about the size of an uncooked grain of rice on it then use a plastic baggie on your finger and spread a nice thin even layer about the die. Then, use a razor or credit card (something with a nice flat edge) and slide it across the die lightly so it spreads evenly. You only need a thin layer (as long as your heatsink is flat) because it is just filling the very very tiny pits and valleys in the heatsink and die so they will mate as flat as possible.

On chips with an exposed die (like these) this is the correct installation. On chips with a heat spreader (P4, A64, C2D, etc) place the same amount in the center of the spreader and let the pressure from the sink spread it.
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: brywalker on May 04, 2007, 07:22:00 AM
QUOTE(lawdawg0931 @ May 4 2007, 06:43 AM) *

I have mentioned the fact (in my tutorial) that most of the info in my tutorial came from Dokworms trial & errors. I'm getting alot of credit for putting this tutorial together, but I must "Pay it Forward" so to say. The technical side was well on its way, before I put this tutorial together. I too had removed my X clamps long before my tutorial was in written form. Glad WE can help all who benefit from this info.


Exactly. This fix has been in the works for a bit, it's just that no one got around to throwing instructions together for it. Thank you for that. This community rocks for this reason alone.

QUOTE

@SnufftheCrimeDog
I agree with you about RBJTech's mod being much more secure, I have used it myself. I found a bolt that is just smaller than the threads of the heatsink, so it passes through (barely). Because of this, it is still reversible, but takes advantage of bolting the board to the case - without drilling out the heatsinks. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)


Ultimately, I think the best fix would be a hybrid. The difficulty is getting a washer system that keeps it the same exact height between the RF shield and the board. If we use a 1" M5 bolt with the RF shield holes slightly drilled out with a couple of washers in between the shield and the board, but the same setup on top screwing into the sinks that would be best. that way there is less movement. OTOH, the RF shield flexes easier than the board does so I don't know how much it will help in that area. I guess it comes down to the idea that as long as everything gets tightened down correctly, there should be little to no problems with either fix.

QUOTE(booker @ May 4 2007, 07:49 AM) *

You just answered one of my questions.
I´ll try the RBJ method because with yours i´m getting freezing after 1week of use more or less. I have to tight the screews every week.
I don´t want to drill the HS, because i want to have this option available.. so i´ll use a smaller screws so i can pass through witout drilling.

Thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


Hey booker, you either have to tighten down the screws a bit more or try using some high temp (just not the forever kind) lok-tite on those threads. I undid my fix after 3 weeks (to change to a smaller head screw) and my screws were as tight as the day I put them on. Even with a lot of use, they should not back out. Oh! Unless you have the wrong thread screws! Make sure they are M5. Get them hand tight, then tighten them a quarter turn each until they are all tight. Then give them one last little turn. Don't put the board in a vice and go to town, but get them tight enough so you couldn't turn then any more unless you did that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Title: 3rlod Again After X-clamp Removal
Post by: booker on May 04, 2007, 08:32:00 AM
QUOTE(brywalker @ May 4 2007, 02:22 PM) *


Hey booker, you either have to tighten down the screws a bit more or try using some high temp (just not the forever kind) lok-tite on those threads. I undid my fix after 3 weeks (to change to a smaller head screw) and my screws were as tight as the day I put them on. Even with a lot of use, they should not back out. Oh! Unless you have the wrong thread screws! Make sure they are M5. Get them hand tight, then tighten them a quarter turn each until they are all tight. Then give them one last little turn. Don't put the board in a vice and go to town, but get them tight enough so you couldn't turn then any more unless you did that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)


I though they were very tight, but again i may be wrong. I didn´t notice the screws were "loose" but since the only thing i did was to re tight the screws and replace the AS5(it had only 1 week old), the system have been running for 4 days now.

I asume and some people in the forum asume the screws got loose and that made the system freeze.
I´ll wait unitl the system freeze again, when this happen i´ll try the RB method. If that don´t work, or work wrost, i´ll go back to Matt´s method.