Accelero xtreme 8800 issue! Help!

[johneboy78]

I purchased Arctic cooler xtreme 8800 for my 8800GTX from Overclockers.co.uk on Wednesday. Having just attempted to fit it, I have found that the pad supplied for the NVIO chip is thinner than the pads for the memory (which it is supposed to be as its raised more than the memory). However, it is TOO slim and does NOT touch the heatsink - there is a gap.

I read a review of the cooler a few weeks ago on MADSHRIPS and I believe the 'review sample' had this issue but it was promised by Arctic cooling that by the time it hits the shops that would be rectified.

http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=3&artpage=3166&articID=667

The reviewer contacted Arctic cooling who said they knew of the issue and sent him new pads. However, now the pre-applied thermal paste is ruined where Ive tried to install it!

Has anyone else found this? Im afraid to use it whilst its like that! What to do now?

 

[killer_uk]

The thermal pad is thinner, but it touches my GTXs NVIO chip fine? The core of the chip is raised over the rest of the chip itself as you can probably see.

 

[toucam]

You get me worried now as I was thinking of ordering one for mine.

 

[johneboy78]

Dunno about worried. But its increadibly frustrating and annoying. I cant use my PC now. Have E-mailed Arctic cooling but god knows how long It'll be.

Surely I can't be the only one with this issue. I can't be THAT unlucky could i?! But it does seem co-incidental the the early review samples had this issue...I can only assume the first early batch of these got through before the issue was discovered?