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CPU install question...

S

Spiderick

n00b
Joined
Mar 30, 2010
Messages
3
I am installing a cpu for the first time. Is it necessary to apply thermal paste or is that already applied out of the box? Sorry for the newbee question, but I really want this to go well for me.
(the processor is an E8600 retail cpu):confused:
 
well, there is some thermal compound on the stock Heatsink/Fan
So no, you don't need to apply thermal paste

But, personally, I never use that stock stuff, i always remove that thermal compound and replace it with a decent thermal paste :D
 
Agree with the above.

I never use the stock thermal compound. Ever.

I always take an iso alcohol pad and completely clean the HSF stock compound and apply Arctic Silver 5.

Best advice, go snag some at the local radioshack for 9.00$. This will last you a long time, and for re-applies as well.

Just remember that it only takes a small amount of thermal compound. No more than a pea size imo. You cake that stuff and it's going to only show problems. (Note: This is my opinion, so take others in consideration and research on google as well on applying the correct amount of compound.).
 
Thanks for the reply. It sounds like good advise. I will get some from my local computer store and apply it.
 
A pea size amount in the center of the heat sink area - not directly on processor? And do you leave it like this or do you spread it out into an even layer before installing the heat sink??
 
atreidesgoldenpath said:
A pea size amount in the center of the heat sink area - not directly on processor? And do you leave it like this or do you spread it out into an even layer before installing the heat sink??
Click to expand...

Some people use different methods. I'm personally a fan of the pea size dot in the center of the processor heat spreader, let the heatsink spread it for you. This seems to be the most common, and most even way to distribute the compound.

I used to apply the compound and spread it evenly on the surface using a razer or other flat edge.
 
If you're using the stock Intel HSF, just install it. The thermal compound is quite good (other places have tested it) and you don't have to figure out how much or how to put it on. You have enough fun with the push pins.
 
For the short term I was going to use the stock heatsink yes. Long term (1-6 months down the road?), I was going to clean this back off and install a better heat sink. But maybe if this thing is fast enough for me w/o OC to start, I may not... I guess the iso alcohol method seems to be a safe way to clean things back off when changing these out...
 
It comes with some thermal compound, but I strongly suggest you go with something like Arctic Silver. You are going to have to apply it either way you go.
 
atreidesgoldenpath said:
The stuff that comes on the stock cooler - how hard is it to remove from the processor after you have been using it?
Click to expand...

Well not really hard to be honest.

Best idea would be to (like I said above) use an iso alcohol pad (I.E. exactly like the ones that come in a first aid kit imo) and wipe off all the compound without really touching anything else BUT the CPU top itself, then doing the same with the heatsink. The alcohol breaks the compound up REALLY easilly and REALLY REALLY well. Saves the trouble of struggling to break that shit up and really clean it. Plus alcohol dries extremely fast.

If you apply Arctic Silver, keep in mind not to get that shit all over your hands, it's bad for you, especially if it gets into your skin.
 
The guys above covered it pretty well and on the manufacturers site for Artic Silver they have good instructions/pictures of what and how to do it. I too recommend replacing the stock stuff stuck on the bottom of the heatsink with better stuff applied to the cpu heat spreader. Techniques vary but as long a you apply a reasonable amount (as in less is usually better than more, you want to end up with a thin layer you can almost see through) you cant go wrong.

What I really wanted to mention is the push pins. Sometimes depending on the holes in the motherboard they can be very difficult (well not really but require more force than a casual push) to "pop" in. I use a thumb over thumb method and push till it hurts and you should hear a click. Go in an X pattern as best you can not around in a circle. You have to push really really hard sometimes to get them all well seated. Once popped in the HS will be like a rock, it will not wiggle or move at all.

Do this before you put the board in the case. I fold a towel and set the board on the towel on the worksurface to pop them in. Some people use a screwdriver to push down on the pins but I would worry if it slipped off you could damage the board.

Anyway install cpu making sure to take the little plastic protector off of the back of the chip, and inside the socket there is anothe plastic piece to protect the inside of the socket from crap damaging it. Revove and save (toss in motherboard box) those plastic pieces, most manuf require you to reuse the socket protector if you have to ship the board back for any reason. Do the thermal grease and pop on the HS. plug in the fan lead making sure it will not flop around and get into the fan blades. Install your memory too. Then get the manual and while the board is where you can see everything well check out where the front panel connectors for the led and power switch go, find the fan connectors. It is common when you pop on the heatsink that the board will be bowed like a potato chip, its normal and will flatten out when you screw it down into the chassis. Snug the mother board screws down and then maybe another 1/4 turn, dont crank down on them as you do not want to crush the motherboard material. Smartly snug is sufficient.

Just some tips.

Oh lay all your stuff/tools/parts out on the work surface so you dont have to run around and get them builiding up a static charge. I put the power supply in the chassis and then plug (with the PSU power switch off) it in. This gives me a big metal thing on the workbench/table that is grounded and with everything in hand I can sit down, touch an exposed metal (not painted) part of the chassis and then not worry about static. As I work I will occasionally reach over and touch the chassis again.

Have fun. Its a piece of cake if you approach it like a surgon and the key thing is that if something acts like it does not fit, STOP. Find out what is wrong. Dont force anything. Your manual is your friend and if you need to post here.
 
BillParrish said:
What I really wanted to mention is the push pins.
Click to expand...

Yeah I probably should have tossed that in there, good looking out Bill.

First time I installed a stock Intel HSF I got over zealous and most definitely broke the pushpins where they clamp on the underside of the motherboard. Sucked, and had to re-order another HSF. Wasn't going to take my chances of it not holding.
 
Another vote, for just leave the stock thermal compound alone until you you need to change it.

At best you get a couple of degrees, which in practical terms doesn't matter unless you are an extreme overclocker.

The CPU I just replaced was running with the stock Intel cooler and stock thermal compound that came on the CPU, and it was in there for a couple of years running about 50% overclock.

It was relatively easy to clean up. Soft cloth some rubbing, and some rubbing alcohol for the final touch.

You probably end up with more clean up issues if you buy some of the freaky "special" thermal compounds.
 
the last time I tried to clean a processor it didn't get very clean... and in the morning I couldn't remember where my progress was from the night before.... Noooo! not that kind of alcohol?
 
I try using alcohol(91%) first to remove older thermal paste/compound. If that doesn't seem to be getting me anywhere then I use acetone, in a pinch I'll use nail polish remover (not sure if the other ingredients are bad) then do a finishing wipe with alcohol.
 
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