Test Bench Help

[MichaelK33]

I am sending in my motherboard for an RMA, and I need a computer to use in the time being. I have a Dell Dimension 8400 that I'll use on my motherboard box out of the case, it'll be fine. My problem is, the cooler is not a reference design for an LGA 775 (I.e. an aftermarket does not fit), but the Heatsink attaches to a black plastic clip type deal, and that is screwed into the case itself, and I can't do that in the test bench. Yes, running it in the case is an option but I'd rather not. So, can I run the Heatsink on the processor and attach it using its own weight? It's fairly large, so maybe I can?

 

[Mgutierrez33]

mmmmm, I don't know that I would rely solely on the cooler's weight holding it down firmly enough to effectively transfer heat. Even if it is making a solid enough contact patch it might not stay put reliably. Plus how is the fan for that heatsink going to mount? I'm looking at some pics of the inside of one of those PCs (HATE HATE HATE old Dell PCs... my brother has an old XPS410 I did some work on) and it looks like the fan is attached at the back of the chassis itself... unless you have that bit as well. Have you tried looking for some fasteners at a hardware store that would work to keep the heatsink secure in the interim?