2 Questions Regarding The CPU

sbab123

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Mar 21, 2016
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Hi guys,

I am building my PC for the first time and I have a few questions regarding the CPU. I will actually use a Core i5 6500 for my build and I have 2 questions regarding this:

1) Do I need to clean the heat spreader of the CPU (i.e the metal cap covering the top of the processor) before adding the cooler on top of the CPU? Some people say that this is necessary even if you are buying a brand new CPU. Is this true?

2) I read in my motherboard manual that "The CPU fan connector of the motherboard supports a CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power". How can I confirm the power of the CPU fan of the Core i5 6500?

Any inputs are the most welcome.

Regards
 
Solution
1) No. It is clean when it is new
2) The stock fan which comes with the CPU is a lot less than 12W. ALL processor fans are designed to run off the standard fan connector
One guy on this forum damaged his motherboard when trying to run FIVE fans at once from the same plug.

lodders

Admirable
1) No. It is clean when it is new
2) The stock fan which comes with the CPU is a lot less than 12W. ALL processor fans are designed to run off the standard fan connector
One guy on this forum damaged his motherboard when trying to run FIVE fans at once from the same plug.
 
Solution
It probably is not necessary to clean a brand new in box CPU. If it were used it would probably be a good idea to clean it with high concentration isopropyl alcohol and a lint free wipe/cloth.

The default cooler that comes with a i5 6500 should work fine. Most PC fans use substantially less than 1amp. It's really only a concern if you have multiple fans connected with Ysplitters then you could run into problems.
 

clutchc

Titan
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The CPU heat shield fresh out of the clamshell case is probably cleaner than you will leave it after you clean it.

No stock cooler fan will exceed motherboard fan header specs. Not even close. 1A will allow at least 2 standard case fans to run safely. Most are only 1/4 amp motors not allowing for starting current.
 


but you should not because the momentary inrush current at startup is higher than the maximum draw at full speed. 5 fan motors all starting at once would greatly exceed the 1amp rating.
 


Of course, but there's also probably a fudge factor built into the specs of the headers. They wouldn't rate it to run a 1A fan (if that's indeed what it's rated for) if it couldn't handle a very brief period of higher current that such a fan would draw at startup.