CPU/Heatsink Refit

Mr E

Hi folks,

Have some CPU overheating probs, so I'm going to reseat it and its heatsink tonight (Its a P4 478). I've read conflicting reports on application of the thermal paste. Some say that you put a blob in the middle, and let the pressure of the heatsink spread it on the cpu. Others say that you apply it as thinly as possible to the top of the cpu, covering the entire surface.

Which is the correct way?

If its the latter, what do you do with the dimple on the CPU? Do you fill it with paste, or leave it exposed?

Any tips appreciated....

- Dave.

Ciaran500

The way I alwasys heard (and always used) was to put a small blob on the cor and spread it thinly with a credit card across the core. I've never had any problems with this method. You should try and clean the heatsink by blowing into it, or use a can of compressed air if you can.

Mr E

Thanks Ciaran. I found a good link an hour ago that answered my question (and pretty much confirms what you said). http://www.directron.com/p4install.html

- Dave.

vishal

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

Besure to read that cos it varies for diff cpus

Mr E

That contradicts the link I posted.... :rolleyes:

For people who have actually done this, what way works best?

BloodBath

If it's artic silver follow the artic silver instructions.

The best way is a tiny blop about the size of a grain of rice. Spread it as thinly and evenly as you can over the surface of the cpu. On the contact area of the heatsink apply a small amount and spread evenly then remove it with a lint free cloth.

Anything similar to this will be fine.


BloodBath

Dempsey

Depends on the type of thermal compound and processor. Instructions are available from the manufacturer of the compound you bought.

Mr E

Its coolermaster stuff. It has the consistency of putty (very difficult to spread). I tried spreading it thinly, but the PC wouldn't POST. Then I tried a blob in the middle (using the pressure of the heatsink to spread it) and it POSTed. However, I have a 45 degree idle temperature, and 60-65 while playing a game (with 70 as the dangerpoint where my PC Speaker starts going nuts), so I'm still not happy.

What are typical temps for a CPU in an idle status and in a 'pushed' status?

Dempsey

Yer temps will depend on what motherboard/heatsink/cooling you have. I dont know why the PC wouldnt POST the first way because P4's can run without heatsinks. Throttled back to the last but they'll run.(Not something I'd try or recommend anyone else to try)