Related/CPU/Chipset
Research and Information Links for AMD related CPU's/Chipsets etc.
This information is provided to help our customers shop smarter by making purchases based on knowledge. This article will help you to avoid making a mistake regarding AMD CPUs and AMD Chipset/Motherboard compatibility. Complete research is strongly recomended.
Our RMA/Tech Support Department is available to help clarify information specific to your needs. Call (281) 575-0004 to speak to a technician. Please keep in mind that if you own a brand name system such as Dell, Compaq, HP, or Gateway, then you are strongly encouraged to contact the manufacturer of your system to obtain complete technical specifications for your particular system. Axion Technologies provides this information and service to augment your research. Complete research is still your own responsibility, and Axion Technologies cannot and will not make guarantees regarding compatibility issues. We will gladly assist you by answering questions regarding specifications for any product we sell in order to help you determine the correct upgrade or assembly purchase.
AMD Athlon XP® Desktop Processor Information
AMD Athlon XP® Mobile Processor Information
AMD Athlon XP® Recommended Motherboards
AMD Recommended Power Supplies
AMD Recommended Thermal Solutions
AMD’s PDF document describing the correct procedure for mounting your Socket A heatsink. 
PLEASE read this before you damage your processor and void its warranty!
Drivers for VIA chipset Motherboards-Socket A (KT133/133A/KT266/266A/KT333)
The Socket A CPU is a Flip-Chip design, meaning that the die of the CPU is placed on the top of the package to allow better cooling. The “die” is that little glass box centered atop the CPU package. It is extremely fragile (read that, “may be easily damaged”). Axion Technologies HIGHLY recommends that you read read the AMD heatsink installation guide prior to installing your Socket A CPU/Heatsink fan.
*Please note that thermal compound (aka thermal "grease") should be applied only to the top of the die. Never apply thermal compound to any area other than the top of the die itself. Doing so will cause overheating, and/or CPU failure.
** Overclocking is attempting to operate any component at speeds and/or voltages higher or otherwise different than those set by the manufacturer. Despite what some websites and others may claim, overclocking voids your warranty with every manufacturer we have ever dealt with. Overclocking is done at your own risk! Components that are damaged or which fail after being overclocked are not covered by any Axion warranty, nor are any of the components that may fail or are damaged by an overclocked product. We repeat: Overclocking is done at your own risk!
The following 3 photographs illustrate incorrect installation procedures. The problems you see can be avoided easily if you will just read the AMD heatsink installation guide and if you will actually follow the instructions precisely. If you are unsure or have doubts prior to installation, please arrange to have a qualified technician perform the assembly for you.
Chips and Cracks
The die of your Socket A processor is made of silicon, which is glass. It is quite fragile. Careless installation or removal of a heatsink can lead to physical damage such as edge chipping, cracks, etc. Physically damaged processors are not replaceable. Use extreme care when mounting and unmounting the heatsink/fan assembly! Especially, never place any pressure on the top of the assembly as this might crush the die.
The smallest chip or crack in the CPU's die can render the CPU inoperable. While it might operate for awhile, it will probably become unstable during use or fail altogether sometime down the road.
Excessive Thermal Compound
Your installation should never look like this!
As stated above, only the CPU's die should receive thermal compound. Applying thermal compound to the entire CPU will almost certainly cause you unnecessary grief. Excessive thermal compound actually performs just the opposite of its intended characteristic — it becomes an insulator and traps heat in the CPU!
One of the best thermal compounds available is sold under the Arctic Silver brand name. As its name implies, silver is an actual ingredient of this thermal compound because of its thermal conducting properties. However, silver is also electrically conductive! If, then, it makes contact with the exposed bridges and capacitors on the CPU package, it provides a closed electrical circuit that can — and usually does — damage the Socket A CPU.
What Your Assembly Should Look Like
Your CPU should look like this prior to attaching the heatsink:
Links are provided to assist you in making the correct purchasing decisions. If you have further questions please send an e-mail to our RMA/Tech Support Department or call 281-575-0004.