Is thermal paste a "must"?

[CrashNFreeze]

when attaching my heat sink to my CPU, should i definitely put some thermal paste inbetween the 2 for safety precaution?

My heatsink has a strip of thermal tape on the underneath, will this suffice?

or do i need thermal paste?

suggestions please..

[rangeral]

Yes that will do for now, if you want something different you could ask in the overclocking forum, most will recommend arctic silver compound.

[Bovon]

The thermal pad has been added in the past year to help protect the processors from self destruct. Apparently newbies building their first computers, and not having the good sence to come to SysOpt first, :D, were installing the heatsinks with nothing applied to help conduct the heat away from the processor core. The thermal pad will provide some heat transfer, but you may also notice an elavated core temprature. It would be probably best to remove all of the thermal pad now, before it gets hot and will be hard to remove later. Apply a very thin coat of a good thermal paste to the core and secure the heat sink while it is still out of the case...it becomes much more difficult to redo this later on after the board has been mounted

[CrashNFreeze]

well.. i think i may have to go with the thermal strip on the heatsink only.

I'm impatient and cant wait another 4 days for delivery of the thermal comppound by mail.

just making sure:

gigabyte ga7rxp (no auto shutdown for hi temps!), plus Athlon XP 2000+ with no thermal paste - just the thermal strip on the heatsink.. would i be liekly to run into any problems? I had intended to overclock to a 2200+.

Should i really do the sensible thing and order some thermal paste? Or is this an undue worry?

[bushmaster]

Properly applied thermal paste usually will reduce the operating temperature of your cpu thus providing for a more stable run as well as a longer lifespan of the processor.
And if you really would like to shave a couple of degree's c off your operating temp's then do a search for "lapping" in the cpu forum. Lapping is a method of making the bottom of your hsf perfectly flat and true as-to provide better surface to surface contact between the cpu and the hsf. That coupled with the proper application of thermal paste ( I use artic silver 3 ) will definately show you some temperature drops.

[CrashNFreeze]

anyone heard of Coolmaster thermal compound? is this a good alternative to arctic silver?

[CrashNFreeze]

Originally posted by bushmaster
Properly applied thermal paste usually will reduce the operating temperature
that's just the problem, i never done this before, so i'm not sure whether i'll be able to apply that thin base of paste that's needed. How much exactly? too much could be bad?

Originally posted by bushmaster

And if you really would like to shave a couple of degree's c off your operating temp's then do a search for "lapping" in the cpu forum. Lapping is a method of making the bottom of your hsf perfectly flat and true as-to provide better surface to surface contact between the cpu and the hsf. That coupled with the proper application of thermal paste ( I use artic silver 3 ) will definately show you some temperature drops.

yep, did a search, but lapping seems more for the hard core overclocker, i did intend on overclocking, but perhaps now i'll just settle for my normal CPU spped of 1.6Mhz, or only a slight more of an overclock...
I dont have the tools necessary to lap my heatsink anyway.. :(


PS.. where can i find info on AMD CPU operating temps? so i know whether i'm hot or not?

[Bigjakkstaffa]

that's just the problem, i never done this before, so i'm not sure whether i'll be able to apply that thin base of paste that's needed. How much exactly? too much could be bad?

heres your answer:

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

and no i wouldnt advise lapping to a newbie like youself and again no id advise agains using the pad as it results in higher temps, and once its melted on its a b!tch to get offa the CPu and HS and replace with good old thermal paste...

--Jakk:t

[CrashNFreeze]

is this a good thermal paste? i bought it at the local computer store (when i say local, i mean about 30 minutes drive there and back).

Balance Stars 700 thermal compound:
thermal conducitivity: 7.5W/m-k
thermal resistance: 0.06G-in2/W
10% silver included..

didn't come with any templates, just the syringe, red top. Lable looks real.

I know it might not compare to arctic silver, but is this thermal compound better to use than my Akasa AK785's thermal strip?

right now, i'm more inclined to the heatsink's thermal strip..

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Use the paste, thermal strips are rubbish :x

Hell i usually use cr@ppy no name stuff from maplins, it dont matter, as long as you got soem thermal paste on it and scrape of the pad with a knife or razor blade...

--Jakk:t

[CrashNFreeze]

Are you sure it's the best move, surely the thermal strip has got to at least equal the potential of the paste.. it's hardly arctic silver 3 quality is it?

(i'm just looking for a reason to be talked out of scraping the strip off)..

[PuterTutor]

Scrape the strip off, paste is much better. As for how thick of a layer, enough so that you can't see through it, and nothing more.

I've got the 1800, and my temps usually run around 45-50. AMD specs say it won't burn up til 90, but I'd be concerned about anything over 60-65 myself.

[Cpl_Squirrel]

I think even your most basic thermal paste is better than the pad, especially if you're gonna overclock your cpu any.

The thermal pad is 'bare minimum' and does the job if you aren't gonna overclock and are feeling lazy. (Like me and my setup) :)

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Thermal tape is cr@p, take it from someone who has used both thermal paste and tape... scrape the gunk off and put the paste on -- its hardly rocket science :rolleyes: and you wont regret it...

--Jakk:t

[Giblet Plus!]

Don't even run the thermal pad once - it'll make a mess out of your processor, and you'll need to scrape it off that, too. If you plan on overclocking, I've found that another good way to drastically reduce temps is to install a blowhole with a good case fan blowing directly on the hsf. Doing this dropped my temps about 8 degrees C. Don't go overboard with the overclocking, because you're probably overclocking via the FSB, so any increases affect all your components, not just the processor. Good luck! :t

[CrashNFreeze]

ok.. i managed to scrap off the thermal pad - looked like plasticne/plastic.. but the area doesn't look very clean, and has my scrape marks in from my knife, i've tried to even it out though...

when i add the thermal paste, do i just add a drop in the centre of the CPU and then put the heatsink on, or do i need to spread in on the CPU evenly before i add the heatsink? if i need to spread it how even should it be?

also, does it matter if i get the thermal pasyte on the CPU?

help please!

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Check the url for the application guide i gave you earlier, its all there, step by step... :rolleyes: (i dont just write things for the sake of it)

The long and short of it is - apply it to the CORE only (the raised black part of the CPU, and the area of the heatsink that will contact the core... nowhere else, you get it inbetween the CPU bridges and it could be good night vienna...

--Jakk :t

[ukulele]

Is thermal paste a "must"?

No. In fact it is no longer recommended by AMD. If you plan to overclock then it might help a little.

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by ukulele
No. In fact it is no longer recommended by AMD. If you plan to overclock then it might help a little.

Dear oh dear,

I think Mr & Mrs Arctic-Silver must be turning purple to
hear that one :D

Me thinks this thermal paste stuff is a hot potatoe
that needs binning

Me I use the Std White gooey stuff its cheap, it works

But if you have more money than sense go 4 it !

[absalom]

Originally posted by CrashNFreeze
is this a good thermal paste? i bought it at the local computer store (when i say local, i mean about 30 minutes drive there and back).

Balance Stars 700 thermal compound:
thermal conducitivity: 7.5W/m-k
thermal resistance: 0.06G-in2/W
10% silver included..

didn't come with any templates, just the syringe, red top. Lable looks real.

I know it might not compare to arctic silver, but is this thermal compound better to use than my Akasa AK785's thermal strip?

right now, i'm more inclined to the heatsink's thermal strip..

Sounds to me that you have a chinese thermal compound which is totally **** you are wasting time and money go buy the real thing most of us here have told you to buy ARTIC SILVER 3 and you still are trying to substitute the quality thermal compound AS3 with a crappy thermal strip and a fake artic silver 3 .If you are going to buy thermal compound spend the extra money and buy a product that will last you for years and give you performance. Especially if you are going to overclock the cpu, you need ARTIC SILVER3 stop trying to take short cuts..


That artic thermal compound is **** sounds like you have one of the fakes mentioned in the ARTIC SILVER WEBSITE click here this is what you have a fake, get the real thing dude http://www.articsilver.com/arctic_silver_fraud.htm:mad:

Also here is the ARTIC SILVER WEBSITE with info for ARTIC SILVER 3 http://www.articsilver.com/as3.htm :t

[absalom]

If for some reason you dont want to waste more money which you already have on a fake artic silver then you can also consider another High Quality Thermal Compound CALLED NANOTHERM which would come 2nd place to Artic Silver 3 and the price is affordable as well the site is here with reviews
http://www.esgn.com/:p

[ukulele]

Oh my God! Crash and Freeze almost used to wrong stuff. Please somebody help this man and send him a dab of the right stuff before he blows the whole town up! :x

[123eskk]

thermal paste is not a must !
you can use some car lubricating oil !
try to drop 1 drop of the oil on your cpu core it works great !

[ukulele]

Wow! Cool, 123eskk, did you ever try synthetic?

[absalom]

Originally posted by ukulele
Oh my God! Crash and Freeze almost used to wrong stuff. Please somebody help this man and send him a dab of the right stuff before he blows the whole town up! :x

I would hope that he did not blow himself and the town up yikes!!! j/k :p CrashNFreeze keep your family at sysopt posted about your decision and your final results thanks...

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Well ive always used a knife and its been alright :rolleyes:, as long as he didnt go in rambo stylee and engrave hsi name into the base of the heatsink :eek:

PS If youve got crappy thermal paste, go to the nearest maplins and get there generic stuff - its very good for no name stuff :)

--Jakk:t

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by Bigjakkstaffa
Well ive always used a knife and its been alright......
--Jakk:t

Except when I tried the "Chainsaw" HE HE HE :r

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Actually best thing i would reccomend other than a razor blade is one of those laboratory spatulas (my dad works in a scientist and has some at home occasionally), theyre similar to butter knifes but the blades are extremely thin, i use em to both remove the pads and apply the paste... when i can get hold of one of course...

they are as they say - My Weapon Of Choice :r

--Jakk:t

[j.m@talk]

I have some "Wonderful" Yakamoto Paste Thermal!

It has a thermal conductivity rating of: 4.0w/m~k

Thermal resistance of: >0.06 C-in5/W

Is that good?

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Sounds impressive - i wouldnt know - i just buy the cheap ***** :p

--Jakk:t

[CrashNFreeze]

Originally posted by Bigjakkstaffa
Well ive always used a knife and its been alright :rolleyes:, as long as he didnt go in rambo stylee and engrave hsi name into the base of the heatsink :eek:

PS If youve got crappy thermal paste, go to the nearest maplins and get there generic stuff - its very good for no name stuff :)

--Jakk:t

ok, update report:
my comp hasnt blown up.. yet... :p

apart from the engraves on the heatsink, everything else ran ok (setting up the hard drive IDE ports was an absolute ***** - last time i get a mate to set the partitions!).

However, i'm not that impressed with the results of my thermal paste/heatsink experiment. If i had the chance to do it all again, i'd stick to the thermal strip on the heatsink. Next time, i'll stick with what i got, until i get experienced at these things. You live and learn.

CPU temp: 50-60oC. (On starting for first time it was about 40oC). It's only the high end once i've been running games for around 4 or 5 hours.
System temp: 35-50oC.
That's with 2 extra fans in there. It would be 3 fans, but i saw that the RPM on the heatsink fan were going from 5200 to around as low as 4200RPM in a flicker, that might be because of airflow.

btw, balance star is actaully mentioned on some sites, it's just not as popular or as affective as this mystic"arctic silver" stuff..

If my gigabyte GA7rVXP supported voltage settings, i would have changed the core voltage to lower the CPU temp.. but wouldnt ya know it.. it doesnt allow it i think? Any further tips on lowering the CPU temp?

I've had a few crashes, one because i wasn't running the correct BIOS, which caused a lock-up in games. Shorted that by downloading the latest BIOS. :)
And i'm now getting monitor incompatabilies with the refresh rate i'm choosing. Either way, any crashes are down to my impatience and wrong graphics card set up. For instance, Max Payne is now freezing on cut scenes(?). i need a few more experiments to optimise my settings.

but still..

Not very pleased with the CPU temp. But i hear AMD's fry at 90oC, so i'm still a LONG way off. I'd have to leave my comp on for 72 hours all out Quake 3 fragging to reach boiling temp.. what i do have is doing the job, just not as well as i'd have hoped. Then again, might be cos of the stratches on the heatsink.

thank's for the replies all - & thank's for the e-mail Bigjakkstaffa. ;)

[CrashNFreeze]

Originally posted by j.m@talk21.com
I have some "Wonderful" Yakamoto Paste Thermal!

It has a thermal conductivity rating of: 4.0w/m~k

Thermal resistance of: >0.06 C-in5/W

Is that good?

Not really.
I hear arctic silver is around 8.5 - 9w/m-k
Mine was 7.5.

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by CrashNFreeze

Not really.
I hear arctic silver is around 8.5 - 9w/m-k
Mine was 7.5.

How comes you got 50-60 degs then?

could be your quoting me off a different scale? :p

I go 46 full load (Seti on all time) 24hrs a day
read em & weep :rolleyes:

[CrashNFreeze]

what's full load mean?

it may surprise you learn i'm not alarmed by my CPU temp. I'm just disappointed with it. i've never installed a heatsink or CPU before. im getting around 52oC now. that's not way off..

[j.m@talk]

cpu running at 100% capacity

[Bigjakkstaffa]

If it really concerns you that much you can always post asing for help with lapping and see if you can get rid of the scratches, although like i said ive run a couple of HS's with scratches and never had problems, you could also do a search for a program called Vcool, which will help bring dsown temps whilst in the OS but NOT whilst playing games or other intensive apps. Another suggestion would be to put a case fan onto the side case panel overhead of the CPU.

Oh yeah and keep the window open :), if i leave mine shut my temps will go from about 37 - 39 up to 42 ish :r

Those temps seem a bit high for me but liek you say your within limits, but as a quick thing are you sure you have the CPU fan plugged into the COU fan header and not a Case fan header?

...and finally, if you choose to change your HSF at a later date, www.overclockers.co.uk have some real heavy duty stuiff :)

--Jakk:t

[absalom]

CrashNFreeze do you have a stock heatsink and fan or aftermarket?? If aftermarket what make?

[StealthNet]

I live in a city where ambient temp is rather high. It always hit 30 C.

My CPU is running @ 55C full load. Mobo is @ 34 C. So, since the difference between mobo and CPU is high, air flow inside the case is allright. I really need a better CPU cooler, since these default AMD hs / fans are a joke.

Almost forgot: Asus A7S333, 768 MB PC2100 DDR RAM, Athlon XP 2100+ running @ 137 FSB default multiplier.

[j.m@talk]

Cooling Apparel Go HERE (http://www.1coolpc.com/) They Ship International Too!

[absalom]

Originally posted by StealthNet
I live in a city where ambient temp is rather high. It always hit 30 C.

My CPU is running @ 55C full load. Mobo is @ 34 C. So, since the difference between mobo and CPU is high, air flow inside the case is allright. I really need a better CPU cooler, since these default AMD hs / fans are a joke.

Almost forgot: Asus A7S333, 768 MB PC2100 DDR RAM, Athlon XP 2100+ running @ 137 FSB default multiplier.

You can check the reviews for heatsinks here at http://www.heatsinkdatabase.com :)

[absalom]

another site you can check reviews as well http://www.dansdata.com/coolercomp.htm :t

[j.m@talk]

I have just ordered a Thermal right SLK800 with a delta 80cfm fan to go with it. I dont have heat problems I just like shopping
$49:00 for the SLK pretty good I thought.

AND NO i'm not going to use "Garlic Silver" or Whatever
My Balance Stars stuff will do fine :r :r :r

[absalom]

Originally posted by j.m@talk21.com
I have just ordered a Thermal right SLK800 with a delta 80cfm fan to go with it. I dont have heat problems I just like shopping
$49:00 for the SLK pretty good I thought.

AND NO i'm not going to use "Garlic Silver" or Whatever
My Balance Stars stuff will do fine :r :r :r Thermalright's SLK800 is a fine choice for Socket A cooling but I would definitely apply artic silver due to its cpu core thermal conductivity but what the heck you use what you like :)

[j.m@talk]

When I next get to go out shop lifting I'll get some
artic silver till then its CHEEEEEEPO' ;)

[absalom]

hey big change from the fan avatar to the poop hilarious :p

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by absalom
hey big change from the fan avatar to the poop hilarious :p

Just keeping up with public demand...................

I mean does any one read my posts :D :D :D :D

[StealthNet]

A friend just gave me a Volcano 6cu+... I think it will perform better than the default AMD heatsink :D

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by StealthNet
A friend just gave me a Volcano 6cu+... I think it will perform better than the default AMD heatsink :D

Wazz it on & rev that baby up :D :t

[StealthNet]

I'll do this: I'll change my mobo form an Asus A7S333 to a MSI Kt3 Ultra tomorrow, so installing it right now will be an useless efort.

I will install the AMD default hs/fan. Do some testing, and then install the Tt 6 Cu+ and post the results.

Thanks to some posts I read here and @ amdb forum, I've also "learned" how to install these things right...

:D

[Snix]

Bottom line though, I'm pretty sure that if you AREN'T going to overclock then you don't need to worry about adding third party thermal paste. Just use what came with the heatsink and that's it.

[j.m@talk]

Not wishing to repeat myself but.............

Originally posted by j.m@talk21.com


Dear oh dear,

I think Mr & Mrs Arctic-Silver must be turning purple to
hear that one :D

Me thinks this thermal paste stuff is a hot potatoe
that needs binning

Me I use the Std White gooey stuff its cheap, it works

But if you have more money than sense go 4 it !

[CrashNFreeze]

Originally posted by absalom
CrashNFreeze do you have a stock heatsink and fan or aftermarket?? If aftermarket what make?

the heatsink is an Akasa 785 AMD approved heatsink. Came bundled with the mobo from microlanduk.
not sure what aftermarket means though?

how big should the difference be between the CPU and the system temp? Currently i've got a 7-9oC difference. is that good?

[Bigjakkstaffa]

perhaps a little low, my system runs at more or less 10C lower than CPU temp. IF youve got a bundled HS it usually means it aint the best, like i say check out the online catalogue at www.overclockers.co.uk for some real heavy duty cooling :)

--Jakk:t

[ukulele]

how big should the difference be between the CPU and the system temp? Currently i've got a 7-9oC difference. is that good?

Board temp should be close to 30C on a hot day. CPU temp close to 60C. If the board temp is much higher then turn your attention to case cooling. When it goes down so does CPU temp. Heat flows from the higher temp to the lower temp, simple stuff really.

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by CrashNFreeze

not sure what aftermarket means though? ............

We are getting caught up in terminology for terminologies sake here. Sock/Aftermarket this is silly,.......... & who cares!

Temps CPU less than 50 acceptable (or good)
more than 59 start worrying.

any other temp must be looked at independantly: what does your mobo manual say about safe working temps? are you under it?

may as well do the same for your HDD as well oh & videocard too

If your going to over clock in the future... buy heatsinks that
will allow for this......... you can always turn the rpm of the fans down until the extra is needed. :r

[Bigjakkstaffa]

Board temp should be close to 30C on a hot day. CPU temp close to 60C.

...dunno what its like in yankee land, but here in Blighty i run about 27C-30C system temp and no higher than 45C with Seti@home and games running on a hot day, around winter my max temp will maybe drop to an avg. 38C, not a huge difference...

Jm's right id start to get concerned whn pushing onto 60C, in fact as a matter of personal preference i open a window/door to increase room ventialtion as soon as i pass 42C

--Jakk:t

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by Bigjakkstaffa


...dunno what its like in yankee land............

Jackkkkkkkkk Hawaii is not really famous for its gritter trucks is it :p

You been to the Optimus school of Guffs ? :D :D :D

[Bigjakkstaffa]

...but hawaii is classed as part of america...

--Jakk:t

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by Bigjakkstaffa
...but hawaii is classed as part of america...
--Jakk:t

Geepers Jakkk WTF 4FS!!!! :D :D :D

[Bigjakkstaffa]

I dunno what you smoke man - but i often have trouble working out what the hell your talking about :confused:

--Jakk:t

[j.m@talk]

My brains been feeding me duff infomation again:eek:

**** happens :D

[Bigjakkstaffa]

BJS triumphs again :r... now back top the topic in hand...

--Jakk:t

[j.m@talk]

Need some input from Crash'N'Freeze

Cross out the "J" he he :p

[b_shill]

Originally posted by Bigjakkstaffa
Use the paste, thermal strips are rubbish :x

Hell i usually use cr@ppy no name stuff from maplins, it dont matter, as long as you got soem thermal paste on it and scrape of the pad with a knife or razor blade...

--Jakk:t

DONT scrape your sink with a knife!!!
think of the scratches
use a credit card (cleaned with a razor)
and the use some goof off to clean the rest off.
finish it all with a was of 91% rubbing alchol


p.s. if you arent sure about compounds tape will do fine as long as your heatsink is certifyed for the cpu

[StealthNet]

Just installed the MSI.

First conclusion: never buy an Asus A7S333. Right out the box, the MSI smoked the A7S333 in every benchmark I ran. Kudos for the memory bench results, anything near 10 to 15% faster (note: exactly the same setup / memory sticks).

I'm running at 1850 MHz 140 MHz FSB) and I also lowered the mem latencies. The system is noticeably faster, no need to run a benchmark to note a performance boost. Every hardware conflict / problem (for example, with the Asus A7S333, putting the Mylex and the GeForce to work together was a pain) simply disappeared.

Installed the Thermaltake 6Cu+. Without overclocking, the CPU ran 10 C less than with the default AMD cooler.

Overclocked and Vcore @ 1.8v, I'm running for an hour and @ 51 C. Also note that case air flow is everything! If I open the case up, CPU temp rises to 56 C. With it closed, it won't pass 51 C (same behaviour with the mobo temp: case opened, 45 C. Case closed, 37 C). Used Artic Silver 3. Ambient temperature is 29 C.

I'll post a detailed topic about all the tests I did today.

[ukulele]

You guys are all boneheads. OK, there is a few exceptions. Let me just say this, where I live (at 3000 ft. elevation) the average temp year round is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Just in case anyone really gives a s**t, which is not very likely. Ocean View it is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean somewhere around 20 degrees N lat. Actually where I live I can spit to below 20 degrees N Lat. This is a perfect place to study average CPU and Case temps. Anyway, where ever else that you may live is subject to local conditions that I am not subject too. You have to live with it, I don't. Heat is your enemy in the summer but here it is just another beautiful day. Take solice in the fact that in a few more monthes you will be running cooler then I ever will. Ask me if I care. :rolleyes:

[j.m@talk]

Originally posted by ukulele
You guys are all boneheads. OK, there is a few exceptions......................

Guess who's been tasting the Amber Nectar :t :t

Got a point tho' warm climate does make sense as far as testing goes, hell I dont really know that much about computers, & I think I might just nip over & check out Uks's test bed, over the winter months. All in the name of science of course. Ne beer left in the cooler Dude?
:D

[StealthNet]

That's a huge problem.

When you are talking about your new PC with a close friend, say, in the same town or country, it is possible that environment temp is not that important.

But when we talk about operating temperatures across the Internet, you often find someone who lives in a place where environment temp is a lot lower then @ your site. Here I experience env temp around 28 ~ 32 C. Obviously this temp will influence my PC temp, since I do not use anything but fans to keep things away from frying out. :D