A7V266-E and Alpha PAL8045

[Helevitia]

I am going to get the above mentioned board and I've been looking at HS and I really like the Alpha PAL8045. Problem is, the mofo is HUGE! And because it is HUGE! it may possibly touch one of the capacitors on the board. Here is a note directly from Alpha's website:

"NOTE 1 : The PAL8045 will fit the A7V266-E board without modification. However, it will contact one of the board's capacitors, POSSIBLY damaging it. Rounding an edge of the base with a DREMEL or other tool could be a possible solution. This would, however, make you heat sink non-returnable. Due to these issues, we consider the use of the PAL8045 on this board a "Use at your own risk application."

Now, I've always been one for "risking" the situation and I have no problems slightly modifying the HS if necessary but before I do it, I want to see if any of you are in the same boat? Opinions please.

Thanks,

Dave

[Wombat]

Depending on the kind of touch, maybe you could just put some insulating tape on that part of the HS.

[EvilDonnyboy]

The heatsink will just barely not fit. Yes, a capcitor in the top left corner is in the way.

This is easily solved by shaving off approx 3-5mm off the corner of the alpha. You won't have to shave off any of the hs' pins, just some tiny non-critical piece of metal off the corner.

Be aware that some revisions will have that capacitor moves slightly to the left, so that the heatsink will barely touch w/o any modifications to the alpha.

[Wombat]

I think I'd rather replace the cap. You might spent a buck or two to replace a 10 cent capacitor with something smaller, but you wouldn't have to mess with the heatsink.

[EvilDonnyboy]

?

It's so simple to take off a tiny bit off the alpha's corner it's not even funny. A metal file, sand paper, a dremel, anything will do it.

You'd rather modify your mobo (which requires soldering and crap) than to scrap off a miniscule piece of insignificant soft aluminum off an alpha. I'm not sure you realize which part of the alpha i'm talking about, it's 100% uneeded metal on the corner.

edit:dammit, if only I still had webspace, I'd post some pics to demostrate how insignificant this "mod" is. stupid excite@home.

ok try these links. notice my added red cricles. that's how much that's needed to be taken off. insignificant, as i said.

[Wombat]

Well, I'm pretty good with a soldering iron. But my real point was that I'd rather keep the resale/return value of the HS, since Dave seems to be keeping the MB, and maybe not the HS.

[Helevitia]

I've decided I would order the Alpha and eyeball it and see how much I really have to take off. If it's really only as much as the above pictures show then it's a no brainer for me. Where's my Dremel! Thanks for the help and suggestions guys.

Dave