Question about Thermal Heatsink Material for PC

gerdalt

Hi there,
I am the proud owner of a Dell Dimension 5150C.
It's a small super compact mini tower server.
Recently it has taken to speeding up its only fan to very high revs.
The same fan cools the cpu heatsink and the main enclosure.
The fan goes into hyperdrive mode. Very hi speed and very loud.
I assumed therefore that the processor was overheating.
I removed the heatsink assembly in the hope of finding it (or the fan) clogged with dust. But both are clear.
Now the sink assembly is spring loaded by screwing it down on top of the cpu.
There is some thermal material between the copper bottom surface of the heatsink and the top of the CPU.
Looks a bit like blue tack!!
So, to my question please.
When I replace the sink I think I should refresh/renew the thermal material.
But what is it? Where would I get some?
Do I need to refresh it?
The Dell site service manual tells me not to touch it and (by implication) reuse it - I have of course touched it
Any comments, advice, help appreciated.
Ger

Ruu_Old

I think you are looking at the thermal paste, Artic Silver is a common one. You should be able to get it at most computer shops and apply a very small amount.

PogMoThoin

Use acetone/alcohol/isopropanol to clean off the old paste

gerdalt

Thanks for that guys.
Do I put the thermal paste on both cpu and sink - or just one - which one?
Is it OK to use the cleaner fluid on both the heatsink and the top of the cpu?
Ger

Gadgetman496

gerdalt wrote: »

Thanks for that guys.
Do I put the thermal paste on both cpu and sink - or just one - which one?
Is it OK to use the cleaner fluid on both the heatsink and the top of the cpu?
Ger

Use the cleaner on both & apply a thin layer of thermal paste on the surface of the processor only.

You'll get both in the likes of PC World or Maplin.

gerdalt

Thank you to all.
Help much appreciated.
Ger.