Q: I'm building a new pc and have a new OCZ heatsink and fan combo and it is HUGE. It almost touches the opposite side panel. Anyway, it will move position easily. I know part of the reason is the size but should I be able to move it with two fingers(like a C-clamp-thumb&index finger) easily? I don't want to burn up my new CPU! I would be forever greatful for any advice. It is an OCZ "Vanquisher" and came from the factory with "white" thermal paste. It has a bracket that is "bendable" to create a tighter fit if needed and I have some AS5 paste if that will help. When upright, I can reach in and twist the unit if I apply pressure with my hand. It's tight but I can move it with two fingers. It seems to "slide" on the CPU just a little. I can get it tighter but I don't want to damage anything or have it too tight.
A: The whole purpose of the heatsink is to absorb the heat from the CPU and then to release it .The closer and tighter the contact between the two parts, the better the heat transfer can take place. "If the movement is from side to side, I wouldn't worry. Check your temperatures to be sure. Now if the movement is UP and DOWN from the processor, and I mean from contact with the CPU Die (The metal portion of the CPU is the die) then there is a big problem. For safety's sake you should buy some arctic silver 3, clean off the old pad completely from CPU die and Heatsink with rubbing alcohol and apply a very small amount of AC3. This could prevent you from stability headaches later on." In summary any deficiency in the heatsink pulling heat off the chip will show up in weird errors and problems that seem to have no cause and worst will endanger the CPU and its life expectancy."