Re-applying thermal compound (6970 lightning)?

[metallicaband]

Hi all,

GPU-Z shows that one part of my GPU's die gets really hot compared to other 2 shown temps, it gets close to 98-105 degrees while the other 2 remain in the low 60s and 70s range max. The GPU might be able to handle this kind of temps, but I don't like the idea of having something running at 100 degrees in my case and I plan to overclock the card too.

I was told that reapplying the thermal paste could solve this issue, but since I've never reapplied TIM on a GPU and have very low experience even with CPUs, thought I'd ask here before doing something stupid lol:

1- It's OK to remove the old thermal paste with regular high % iso propyl alcohol, right?
2- Here are a couple of pictures from a review of the 6970 lighning's GPU with the heatsink off:
1
2

Should I apply the thermal paste just on the black part or should it even be applied a bit outside of it too?

3- Should I use the small blob in the middle of the GPU method and use the heatsink's pressure to even it out or is it better that I apply the small blob and even things out myself (via credit card or using a rubber glove)?

4- Finally, do you have any idea if this will void the warranty if removing the twin frozr III doesn't involve removing a warranty sticker on the 6970?

I understand that it's very important to not use a conductive paste with GPUs to avoid electrical shorts, I'm going to use the thermal compound that came with my NH-D14 heatsink, it's a Noctua NT-H1 paste and supposed to be totally non-conductive (source), if you think I should use something else, please let me know why.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[metallicaband]

Anyone?

 

[CleanSlate]

1. remove heatsink
2. clean area well with alcohol and cotton swabs
3. let dry
4. reapply your noctua thermal compound (try not to over apply but make sure there is enough for the heatsink to attach to the whole of the gpu)
5. reattach the heatsink

Not much more you need to know than that. Also, check to make sure the heatsink doesn't have a warranty void sticker on it any where if you are worried about that.

 

[Mr Mean]

I replaced my HD 5970 TIM the first week when I got it.

1- It's OK to remove the old thermal paste with regular high % iso propyl alcohol, right?

Yes remove is wtih 99% isopropyl alcohol. Make sure you clean borth the GPU and the heatsink in general till it's a nice shine. The GPU will have a nice glass shine to it and the GPU heatsink will have a nice copper shine.

Should I apply the thermal paste just on the black part or should it even be applied a bit outside of it too?

I didn't apply the TIM on the pads (unless yours don't have pads and it has paste. If so you have to replace the paste. The pads usually remain attached to the metal back plate.) Make sure you clean the RAM with isopropyl alcohol so you can remove the excess white crud that was remaining when you removed the backplate/heatsink. [/quote]

3- Should I use the small blob in the middle of the GPU method and use the heatsink's pressure to even it out or is it better that I apply the small blob and even things out myself (via credit card or using a rubber glove)?

No put a grain size dot in the middle of the GPU and let the heatsink spread it out.

4- Finally, do you have any idea if this will void the warranty if removing the twin frozr III doesn't involve removing a warranty sticker on the 6970?

For HIS I already voided my warranty as soon as I unscrewed the heatsink off. Also I replaced the original HIS BIOS with Sapphire So makesure you know what you're getting into. The TIM that comes with most videocard is pure garbage. But have a good understanding in what you're getting into before you commit.

 

[metallicaband]

Thanks a lot for replying both of you.

I've sent an e-mail to MSI to ask them whether it's fine to remove the heatsink or not, will let you guys know about my results if I reapplied the paste (I only managed to get 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs, but after looking around seems like I'll do fine with it, just gotta make sure it dries well).

 

[QES]

Thanks a lot for replying both of you.

I've sent an e-mail to MSI to ask them whether it's fine to remove the heatsink or not, will let you guys know about my results if I reapplied the paste (I only managed to get 70% isopropyl alcohol swabs, but after looking around seems like I'll do fine with it, just gotta make sure it dries well).

Yeah you'll be fine with the 70% stuff. I reapplied the TIM on my cpu and video card a couple months ago and used the 70% without a problem.

 

[CleanSlate]

Grain size is probably too small. That's for the small gpu/cpu tops. If it's about an inch by an inch or so in width you need to put a nice blob maybe triple or quadruple that size. I've made that mistake before. Under-applying is not fun.

 

[kcmastrpc]

i really suggest spreading the goop around evenly with a blockbuster membership card (mine works perfectly for this, kinda nice since the card is otherwise useless).

 

[erek]

i tried using Arctic silver Ceramique and it made my temps SIGNIFICANTLY worse like... 20C or so worse

 

[magoo]

Just make sure to use a non-conductive thermal paste. (sorry, you already said that....)

Arctic Silver is conductive somewhat, and too much in the wrong place could cause a short.

I like Noctura NT-H1, it's non-conductive and has no "cure time".( you already said that too....good choice. Noctura is all I ever use)

You can use same on the RAM if the thermal pads are hosed on removal, or order some new ones.

I like ArcticClean to clean surfaces. Works very well, but so does alcohol.

For a large die like a GPU chip I generally place a small dot in the center, about the size of a clicker on a ball point pen, and then a small dot towards the corners. you don't need much compared to the pile they put on at the factory.

 

[Cowboy420]

Grain size is probably too small. That's for the small gpu/cpu tops. If it's about an inch by an inch or so in width you need to put a nice blob maybe triple or quadruple that size. I've made that mistake before. Under-applying is not fun.

And over applying is much worse. A small pea size, spread out would be sufficient.

 

[CleanSlate]

Let's argue over the volume of a pea vs the volume of a grain of rice.

I think the volume of a pea is three or four times the volume of a grain of rice.

Now you

 

[Cowboy420]

I don't consider a pea a "nice blob"...but to each his own.

 

[juno12]

be carefull with the v-ram thermal pads cause it's easy to destroy them.
i did it and now i'm looking for new ones

 

[kcmastrpc]

if you only put a drop of tim in the center of the gpu you will not cover the entire thing.

use a spudge, credit card or something to make sure it's spread evenly.

 

[metallicaband]

Just a small update, I've applied the noctua thermal paste (I put a small blob in the middle of the GPU and spread it with my finger using a plastic bag).

The max temps I'm getting with Furmark on the 3rd GPU temp in GPU-Z (and FFXIV benchmark which for some reason really stresses my card) are around 89-92 degrees. MSI's Kombustor temps are lower @ around 84-87 degrees. Running heavy games such as Dragon Age 2 with max settings makes my 3rd GPU temp run @ high 70s to mid 80s temps mostly which is great compared to before (it used to hit high 90s and low 100s!).

The first and 2nd temps shown in GPU-Z always run cool at max load, around 55-65 for the first temp and 68-78 for the 2nd. Overall the 3rd GPU temp as shown in GPU-Z runs cooler by around 10-15 degrees now, I can add a couple of optional fans to my HAF X case which can probably help decrease the temp a couple of extra degrees too.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[tangoseal]

i tried using Arctic silver Ceramique and it made my temps SIGNIFICANTLY worse like... 20C or so worse

Yeah I agree that this is junk paste. I have used it multiple places and everywhere that crap touches turns to heat increase.

I switched to Biostar Diamond and IC Diamond 6 or whatever its called and its done very well for me. And I dont go goop happy. I put a paper thin layer on my parts.

I repasted my XFX 6970 and it worked great. Although the temps are equivelent to factory, no reduction or increase under load, that tells me the Diamond based paste is equal in the quality that the factory uses.

 

[emilegd]

Just a small update, I've applied the noctua thermal paste (I put a small blob in the middle of the GPU and spread it with my finger using a plastic bag).

The max temps I'm getting with Furmark on the 3rd GPU temp in GPU-Z (and FFXIV benchmark which for some reason really stresses my card) are around 89-92 degrees. MSI's Kombustor temps are lower @ around 84-87 degrees. Running heavy games such as Dragon Age 2 with max settings makes my 3rd GPU temp run @ high 70s to mid 80s temps mostly which is great compared to before (it used to hit high 90s and low 100s!).

The first and 2nd temps shown in GPU-Z always run cool at max load, around 55-65 for the first temp and 68-78 for the 2nd. Overall the 3rd GPU temp as shown in GPU-Z runs cooler by around 10-15 degrees now, I can add a couple of optional fans to my HAF X case which can probably help decrease the temp a couple of extra degrees too.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Sorry to revive a 7-month old thread, but I have a similar card from MSI and I would like to know what MSI answered to you when you asked them about the warranty and the removal of the heatsink.

Emile