I'd clean that white toejam off and replace it with a very thin coating of a good heat transfer compound like Arctic Silver.
Though you may not be using Actic Silver, their instructions will give you some good information.
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm Now that foam bit is likely there to prevent you from damaging the chip. Still, if it's like foam or something I can't imagine it will conduct heat very well. I think I'd take it off. Proper spacers are normally made of copper like these ones:
http://216.157.14.244/spacers.htm The trick is, you must clean both the chip and the HSF (HeatSink & Fan) with alcholol or something first. Then you apply a tiny bit of heat transfer compound to the heat slug (the small square part) of the CPU. Now VERY CAREFULLY position and clip on your HSF. Be careful not to twist or slide it if possible during the install. Most importantly, the HSF must sit perfectly level on the heat slug of the CPU. If it doesn't make contact properly it WILL get to hot.
Now, because this is an Intel chip, it's not a huge worry. The Intel chips will actually shut down if they get overloaded and protect the CPU from damage. The AMD's will just burn up.
------------------
Sean "Lephturn" Conrad - Aces High Chief Trainer
A proud member of the mighty Flying Pigs
http://www.flyingpigs.com Check out
Lephturn's Aerodrome for AH articles and training info!
[This message has been edited by Lephturn (edited 03-16-2001).]
