VF900 Installation

[Eagle156]

I need a replacement HSF for my X1900XT because the stock cooler sucks, and I'm pretty much decided on the Zalman VF900 with arctic silver5. But, I have some questions about this since I've never replaced a videocard HSF before:
1) Do I put one drop of the AS5 on the core's center or spread out?
2) Can I clean the core off with some 91% Isopropyl alcohol or do I need to use the articlean stuff?
3) Does the ram need to be cleaned off before applying the ramsinks? What should I clean it with?

Sorry for the noobish questions.

 

[degen]

1) just like a cpu but a bit smaller
2) id guess so if u used it to clean ur CPU - i use the articlean stuff anyway
3) yes give em a good clean and let em dry properly

 

[kirbyrj]

You have to spread out the AS5 over the whole core. You can't really do the drop and squish method like you can when you have a heatspreader. I usually use an old credit card or something like that to smooth it out over the exposed core.

You'll like the difference. It is much quieter. I did it to both of my X1900's. The installation isn't that hard either.

 

[skadebo]

On an open core without a heat spreader, you have to spread it out yourself. Check out the instructions on Arctic Silver's website.