New AM2 Processor Install

[atticus_hearts]

I'm picking up my new processor this evening (4200) and was wondering if I will need any thermal gel? I know that some processors use the pre-applied stuff so you just peel off the strip and you're good to go.

Anyone know how AMD handle's this? I'd like to pick it up on the way home if I need it.

Thanks for the info,

 

[Ockie]

If it's a retail boxed processor you will get a heatsink with a thermal pad on already

 

[MrSlacker]

It already comes with thermal paste, but i recomend getting Artic Silver 5

 

[Ockie]

It already comes with thermal paste, but i recomend getting Artic Silver 5

It's a waste of money when the OP isn't going to be doing any overclocking or anything intensive. AS5 is only a degree or two better than the factory junk that you get... not to mention that it wont be an aftermarket heatsink.


If you are going hardcore into it, then you need something more potent than AS5.

 

[drizzt81]

If you are going hardcore into it, then you need something more potent than AS5.

what would that be?

 

[Ockie]

what would that be?

Well I use Coollabratory Liquid PRO

http://www.frozencpu.com/thr-26.html



My main point was that using an expensive thermal paste on a oem heatsink is dumb and wastefull... thats like filling premuim fuel in a geo metro.

 

[Viper87227]

It's a waste of money when the OP isn't going to be doing any overclocking or anything intensive. AS5 is only a degree or two better than the factory junk that you get... not to mention that it wont be an aftermarket heatsink.


If you are going hardcore into it, then you need something more potent than AS5.

How do you know he wont be overclocking or doing anything intensive? Nothing in his first choice suggests what he's going to be doing with the CPU. If he's getting a 4200+, I would think he's going to be doing a little more than surfing the internet. Regardless, what harm can it do anyways? The stock TIM is junk, just like you said. AS5 would probably loose him more than just a degree or two. I think 4-5C would be a little more likley. For the $7 it will cost, why the hell not. Overclocking or not, the cooler the processor runs, the happier its going to be. So, he certainly doesn't NEED it, but it would be a good idea concidering the price.

As far as if your getting hardcore, you nees something more potent than AS5... well, thats just a joke. I bet less than 1% of the "hardcore" users on here use that liquid metal crap. Its a few degrees better at the cost of being incredably conductive, and from what I hear, a bit difficult to apply. I can guarentee you the vast majority of people here are using either AS5 or Ceramique. I myself use Ceramique... just as good as AS5, not conductive at all, and $8 for a 22g tube . Still, I thnk AS5 would be the most popular TIM, hands down, around here. I dont think it would be if something more potent would be necessary.

 

[drizzt81]

Well I use Coollabratory Liquid PRO

http://www.frozencpu.com/thr-26.html

thanks

My main point was that using an expensive thermal paste on a oem heatsink is dumb and wastefull... thats like filling premuim fuel in a geo metro.

I got your main point. I wasn't arguing that I was genuinely just curious about what you considered better than AS5, since I was under the impression that AS5 was the de-facto standard when it came to "high-performance" TIMs.

 

[Ockie]

thanks

I got your main point. I wasn't arguing that I was genuinely just curious about what you considered better than AS5, since I was under the impression that AS5 was the de-facto standard when it came to "high-performance" TIMs.

AS5 is awesome, I just don't see the logic in scraping off your defualt thermal paste for the AS5 when you are using the stock heatsink.


If you are using a aftermarket heatsink then you should always use better thermal paste since you would be paying for it anyways.

 

[Ockie]

How do you know he wont be overclocking or doing anything intensive? Nothing in his first choice suggests what he's going to be doing with the CPU. If he's getting a 4200+, I would think he's going to be doing a little more than surfing the internet. Regardless, what harm can it do anyways? The stock TIM is junk, just like you said. AS5 would probably loose him more than just a degree or two. I think 4-5C would be a little more likley.

It's been said 1-2 degrees celcuis is the expected result.

For the $7 it will cost, why the hell not. Overclocking or not, the cooler the processor runs, the happier its going to be. So, he certainly doesn't NEED it, but it would be a good idea concidering the price.

You just said it, it's $7 and it's not needed.

As far as if your getting hardcore, you nees something more potent than AS5... well, thats just a joke. I bet less than 1% of the "hardcore" users on here use that liquid metal crap.

A joke? You are the one who's trying to convince somone with a stock heatsink to upgrade to AS5 instead of suggesting a better heatsink...

Its a few degrees better at the cost of being incredably conductive, and from what I hear, a bit difficult to apply.

Well perhaps you are a nub at applying these things, mine went on like you put butter on bread... except you use a qtip or brush.


You are bitching about a few dregree increase for an additional $7 but yet you are trying to negotiate the fact that the AS5 gives a few degrees better for $7?! Hippocrite anyone?

I can guarentee you the vast majority of people here are using either AS5 or Ceramique. I myself use Ceramique... just as good as AS5, not conductive at all, and $8 for a 22g tube . Still, I thnk AS5 would be the most popular TIM, hands down, around here. I dont think it would be if something more potent would be necessary.

I never said it wasn't good and I never said it wasn't popular, I simply stated that you either go all out with a aftermarket heatsink or you just use the stock heatsink and application instead. Save youself the money or go all out. I'm not of a person to do things hallf assed, if I'm forking out for a new cooling kit or a new high end heatsink, I'm going to make my dollars count. As for my servers and basic workstations, I use the stock heatsink with stock application, as it's father more cheaper and effective based for the task at hand.


Don't get all defensive becuase you own some AS5... I own AS5, LC, LP, and a variety of generic brands.

 

[Unabomber]

Go with Ceramique. It's not really a performance issue (a few degrees here or there, stock versus 3rd party heatsink) for me, but rather, it's exceptionally easy to clean off with just an old toothbrush, paper towels, and 91% isopropyl alcohol.

Should you decide to change equipment to something that is for the "hardcore" enthusiasts, then you really want to get all of the old compound off, and with a lot of those phase-change pads, that's easier said than done.

I bought a 22 gram syringe of Ceramique a long time ago, for 10 bucks, and it's still got a good bit left in it.