Ok.

Looking to build a new PC with a AMD 64 3200+ (939) Winchester.

If i buy the retail pack (Processor in a box) i get a 3 year warranty and a HSF (Heat-sink and Fan) with TIM (Thermal Interface Material) attached.

If i buy OEM (Processor in a box WITHOUT a fan )i don't get the HSF and only 30 day warranty.

Now according to the warranty info for PIB WITH fan you cannot use a 3rd party HSF without invalidating the warranty. Fair enough.

According to this page' ">http://www.amd.com/gb-uk/Proce...18_11120_11595,00.html "This Limited warranty shall be null and void if the AMD processor that is the subject of this Limited Warranty is used with any heatsink/fan other than an AMD approved one. " Which is the warranty for PIB WITHOUT a fan. So you buy a processor without a fan but you can only keep the warranty valid if you use the AMD aproved HSF.

So where is the list of approved 3rd party HSF? I've been all over the AMD site and can't find it. I did find something that lists TESTED HSF but no approved ones.

I want to use the stock cooler but need to know if it doesn't cut the mustard can i use a 3rd party one without invalidating the warranty?

If so, which ones?

Thanks.

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AMD 64 3200+ - Asus A8N-SLi Deluxe - 2 x 512 Mb Crucial Ballistix (2-2-2-8) Dual Channel - Leadtek GeForce 6800 256 Mb - 2 x Seagate 80 Gb SATA

Yeh, this is a dilemma! I'd say try the stock HSF and if you're not happy with the results get the best alternative your research turns up. AMD CPUs are extremely reliable so you shouldn't have a problem in three years.

But there is a "best of both worlds" solution - hang on to the AMD HSF just in case. If you do have a problem, send it back with the CPU when you RMA. It's not being dishonest, you chose a great 3rd party unit, didn't you?

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Well the e-mail i got back from AMD said i have to use the stock HSF but i can replace the TIM.

Installed using stock HSF and TIM and idles about 28-30 and goes no higher than 40 C so very happy

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AMD 64 3200+ - Asus A8N-SLi Deluxe - 2 x 512 Mb Crucial Ballistix (2-2-2-8) Dual Channel - Leadtek GeForce 6800 256 Mb - 2 x Seagate 80 Gb SATA