Arch Linux

Falcata

Member

From: Michiana

Registered: 2008-01-23

Posts: 501

Website

Northbridge is HOT

The other day, I bought an additional gigabyte of RAM for my computer.  One both modules were installed, I did a quick inspection of my computer's insides.  Good thing I did, because I noticed a couple of the RAM heatsinks on my video card had come off.  I also discovered that my computer's northbridge chip was REALLY hot.  Even a few minutes after the computer had fully shut down, the thing's heat sink almost burned to the touch.  Is the heatsink something I can replace with a better one, or add a fan to?  The heat sink looks like the one in the lower-left corner of this image: http://www.ixbt.com/mainboard/foxconn/6 … ard-sm.jpg

I realize the heatsink I was referring to is actually covering the southbridge, but it's nearly identical to the one in my computer, including the way it is attached with that bent piece of metal.  I didn't see any slots for attaching a fan, so what do I do?

---

Lord of Maelstrom

zenlord

Member

From: Belgium

Registered: 2006-05-24

Posts: 1,223

Website

Re: Northbridge is HOT

Yes you can replace the NB-heatsink. I know Zalman has at least one NB-heatsink that can be attached using clips, screws or with thermal glue (sticky paste).

The temp of the NB depends on the chipset. I know some older chipsets could easily overheat, while with the latest AMD chipsets (where the memory controller is integrated in the CPU and not in the NB) should not run as hot as in the good ol' days.

I have no access to the picture you linked in your post, so I cannot give you specific advice...

Zl.