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Do I need thermal paste on...

A

ACBrown

n00b
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
45
I just ordered a new motherboard and will transfer my E8400 with the stock fan over to it. It looks like all the thermal paste is gone (dried up). Three questions:

1. Do I need to put thermal paste on the fan?

2. If yes, then what kind?

3. And how should it be applied? Do you just squirt some on there?

Sorry, I'm a noob at this still. So thanks for the help.

Austin
 
1. Yes, but on the heatsink, not the fan ;).

2. Since you're using the stock cooler, really any kind will do. However, if you don't have any on hand and need to buy some, I recommend Arctic Cooling MX-2 or Tuniq TX-2 compound.

3. Squirt a small blob in the middle of the CPU and mount the heatsink. The pressure will cause the compound to spread out and cover the whole surface. If you aren't sure whether or not you've put the right amount, you can take off the heatsink and take a look to double-check.
 
Make sure you clean off any residual pad/compound left over before applying the new stuff.
 
RamonGTP said:
Make sure you clean off any residual pad/compound left over before applying the new stuff.
Click to expand...
you can do that with alcohol right? what percentage though? theres 70 and 90 percent, and im not thread jacking just trying to inform OP.
 
I like to use contact cleaner since it disolves the old stuff right off and then use some rubbing alcohol to clean up the light residue that remains. I've used both 70 and 90% compounds, either will work.
 
I'm thinking by the time I buy the paste for like 6 bucks and then pay another 6 bucks for the shipping, which is annoying, maybe I should just get an Arctic Cooler 7 for 20.00 bucks.

That already has the thermal paste on it, right? and so I wouldn't need to pick up any, right?

Austin
 
I think you're supposed to put the thermal compound on the processor, not the heat sink. Not too much, and just put it in the center, some like to spread it around into a thin layer with a razor blade or credit card, but there is never going to be a consensus on this.
 
vertigomhs said:
you can do that with alcohol right? what percentage though? theres 70 and 90 percent, and im not thread jacking just trying to inform OP.
Click to expand...

The higher the percentage the better in theory, although in practice it doesn't make much of a difference. I usually use 70% because it's what I have on hand, and it does the job perfectly fine.
ACBrown said:
I'm thinking by the time I buy the paste for like 6 bucks and then pay another 6 bucks for the shipping, which is annoying, maybe I should just get an Arctic Cooler 7 for 20.00 bucks.

That already has the thermal paste on it, right? and so I wouldn't need to pick up any, right?

Austin
Click to expand...

You could do that, however it would only be good for one application. It's still a good idea to get some thermal paste to have on hand, in case you ever need to reapply.
vsboxerboy said:
I think you're supposed to put the thermal compound on the processor, not the heat sink. Not too much, and just put it in the center, some like to spread it around into a thin layer with a razor blade or credit card, but there is never going to be a consensus on this.
Click to expand...

It actually doesn't matter which surface you apply it on when dealing with typical flat-surface heatsinks, although with HDT coolers it's actually better to put it on the heatsink base in order to get the best spread.

As for the best application method, spreading with a razor blade isn't completely reliable when dealing with surfaces that aren't perfectly flat, since you may not end up applying enough in certain spots which results in nonuniform contact. The best way to do it is to apply a blob in the middle and allow the clamping force of the heatsink to spread out the compound and fill all the gaps for you.
 
if you are going to use the stock fan that comes with the 8400, than you should be fine with the thermal pad/paste thats already pre-applied. I'm running stock q9550 with the stock fan and paste and running 28c idle...

If you are gonna O/C knock yourself out with as5.

When ever i clean a core, i usually go thru many q-tips :D
 
http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appinstruct/as5/ins_as5_intel_dual_wcap.pdf... this is how you install the paist..

yes while your at it-- pick up a better cooler... I have a zalman 9500 and you can get them for around 45ish if you look(the 9700 is the current design).. They work well and are very quiet... If your going to get horny with your oc'ing-- maybe you can pick up one of those large thermailright ultra 120.. Alot of guys seem to really like those..
 
I'd advise against the Zalman 9500. You can get far better coolers for the price. I know becuase I've got one.
 
Zero82z said:
QFT. The Xigmatek HDT-S1283 is a significantly better cooler for quite a bit less.
Click to expand...

You need to QFT and read:eek: He is saying not to get the Zalman b/c there are better options such as the cooler you mentioned for less money....exactly what you are saying:p LOL
 
ACBrown said:
I'm thinking by the time I buy the paste for like 6 bucks and then pay another 6 bucks for the shipping, which is annoying, maybe I should just get an Arctic Cooler 7 for 20.00 bucks.
Austin
Click to expand...

I would get Artic Cooling MX-2 from yesbuy for $7 shipped unless you can get the AC7 for $20 shipped. Newegg shipping for TIM is a rippoff. Yesbuy just has slow shipping...

http://www.yesbuy.net/arctic-cooling-mx-2-thermal-compound.html

They also have AS5 but MX-2 generally performs better and is non capacitive so it's a little safer.

http://www.yesbuy.net/arctic-silver-5-1pcs.html
 
Scheibler1 said:
You need to QFT and read:eek: He is saying not to get the Zalman b/c there are better options such as the cooler you mentioned for less money....exactly what you are saying:p LOL
Click to expand...

I'm saying I agree with him and I gave a specific example of a cooler which is both much better and much cheaper than the Zalman. I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say.
 
Scheibler1 said:
You need to QFT and read:eek: He is saying not to get the Zalman b/c there are better options such as the cooler you mentioned for less money....exactly what you are saying:p LOL
Click to expand...

QFT = "Quoted for Truth" (he agrees), not "Quit Fu***** Talking" ;)
 
ACBrown said:
I just ordered a new motherboard and will transfer my E8400 with the stock fan over to it. It looks like all the thermal paste is gone (dried up). Three questions:

1. Do I need to put thermal paste on the fan?

2. If yes, then what kind?

3. And how should it be applied? Do you just squirt some on there?

Sorry, I'm a noob at this still. So thanks for the help.
Click to expand...

You need to clean everything off of the fan and CPU. You can use alcohol and a lint-free cloth, or I recommend ArctiClean from Arctic Silver. You can buy the little cleaning kit for around $5 at Fry's.

The best thermal compound is Arctic Silver 5. The small tube which will do several CPUs is around $8 and instructions for applying it are on their website.

No need to apologize--we were all noobs once, even me! ;)
 
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