Heatsinks & retail CPUs

[HicRic]

Just a quick question. I know retail CPUs come with their own HSF and a 3 year warranty normally, correct? What if I were to buy a retail CPU, but then use another HSF of my own choosing? Would I void the warranty, or does it not matter what I use to cool the processor?

I'm sure it might tell me inside the packaging of the CPU but I don't have one yet to look.

For example, say I purchased a retail AM2 (no OEM available) and used an aftermarket HSF on it instead.

 

[cobxx]

There's no reason why using an after market cooler would void your warrenty. AMD are just giving you a package to get you on to your feet, but if you can get another cooler, that's fine. Plus, how the hell can they tell if you've used another HSF?!?As long as the HSF isn't severly incapable of cooling the CPU, or you install it wrong, nothing will be viod AFAIK

 

[HicRic]

Just thought I'd check. After all, graphics cards come with an HSF but putting a different one on that voids the warranty IIRC, just wanted to know if it'd be the same for CPUs. Thanks for the info.

 

[maranello168]

It would void the warranty as using the stock HSF from AMD means you are using a product thats been fully tested to function properly with their cpu's and of course are fully licensed from themselves. However, should you use an alternative solution, theres no way of knowing whether it's an approved HSF, so should your CPU be damaged in anyway, AMD won't be liable...thus voiding your warranty

 

[Jimbo]

Like theyll ever know lol. Just do it.

 

[Witcher]

There's no reason why using an after market cooler would void your warrenty. AMD are just giving you a package to get you on to your feet, but if you can get another cooler, that's fine. Plus, how the hell can they tell if you've used another HSF?!?As long as the HSF isn't severly incapable of cooling the CPU, or you install it wrong, nothing will be viod AFAIK

They might never know but it does void the retail box warranty

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/TechnicalResources/0,,30_182_867_2139,00.html

This Limited Warranty shall be null and void if the AMD microprocessor which is the subject of this Limited Warranty is used with any heatsink/fan other than the one provided herewith.

 

[maranello168]

I personally always use an after market cooler, and would always buy a retail CPU as opposed to an OEM, just personal preference, even if it does invalidate the warranty.

 

[HicRic]

Drat. I'll bear that in mind, then. Could they not tell you were being sneaky with the HSF by examining the thermal paste? I suppose you could clean it off, but it smacks of dishonesty...

I wish OcUK had some OEM AM2 processors, would be nice to just get the chip + 1 year warranty, save a bit of cash, and then use whatever HSF we wanted. Ho hum!

 

[cobxx]

It would void the warranty as using the stock HSF from AMD means you are using a product thats been fully tested to function properly with their cpu's and of course are fully licensed from themselves. However, should you use an alternative solution, theres no way of knowing whether it's an approved HSF, so should your CPU be damaged in anyway, AMD won't be liable...thus voiding your warranty

Wow that sucks, but they really can't tell at all. If you just clean the stuff with some isopropyl alcohol if it bums up, then they can't tell a thing!