Which can ONLY happen if some foreign object, like an extra standoff or loose screw, is under the motherboard.and there is a ground short in the case itself.
No. I said IF you bought a CPU that came with a fan, then using a 3rd party fan voids the warranty. Since your CPU did not come with a fan, then you can (must) use a suitable 3rd party fan, AND a properly applied layer of TIM. So you can use your fan if it is rated for the CPU and the warranty issue does not apply to you.but are you telling me that the CPU fan I have voids the warranty?
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by retail version I bought it and it didn't come with a CPU Fan. It was just the chip.
For more information on the warranty here's my canned text that covers both AMD and Intel CPUs:
It should be noted that using a 3rd party cooler on retail (not OEM) versions of Intel and AMD CPUs voids the warranty!!! And damage attributed to overclocking is not covered under any CPU warranty either, regardless any overclocking features or software provided by motherboard makers. Certainly, this is not a concern for some enthusiasts. But it is a concern for many others, and everyone should be aware of it.
Intel CPU Warranty Information (my bold added)Intel warrants the Product (defined as the boxed Intel® processor and the accompanying thermal solution)... ... if the Product is properly used and installed, for a period of three (3) years. This Limited Warranty does NOT cover:• damage to the Product due to external causes, including accident, problems with electrical power, abnormal electrical, mechanical or environmental conditions, usage not in accordance with product instructions, misuse, neglect, alteration, repair, improper installation, or improper testing; OR
• any Product which has been modified or operated outside of Intel's publicly available specificationsAMD CPU Warranty Information (their bold)The good news is since both AMD and Intel warranty their boxed CPUs for three years, and since replacing them at their cost is not something they want to do, both make excellent cooling solutions both in terms of cooling abilities, but also in noise levels.AMD is more straightforward on their page where it says the following concerning their retail, Processor In A Box (PIB), versions of their CPUs:This Limited Warranty shall be null and void if the AMD microprocessor which is the subject of this Limited Warranty is used with any heatsink/fan other than the one provided herewith.
This limited warranty does not cover damages due to external causes, including improper use, problems with electrical power, accident, neglect, alteration, repair, improper installation, or improper testing.





