Heatsink Install Question

[Elwood]

I have just ordered a heatsink for my CPU and it will be here today. I also ordered Artic Silver 5 which will be here on monday. There is some supplied thermal paste with my new heatsink that I could probably use, but I am sure that it will not perform quite a well at AS-5.

Question: Other than the labor, would there be any reason why I couldn't remove my stock heatsink and install my new on using the thermal paste that is supplied with the heatsink; then reinstall it using Artic Silver when my tube comes in Monday? I could possibly wait, but my CPU temps are all over the board and I really don't want to delay this any longer. I assume the process is the same: scrape with plastic credit card, clean with isopropyl 91% and lint-free cloth, apply new layer and start fragging?

Also, this may be a dumb question, but what are some good examples of lint-free cloths? I hear coffee filters work too. Could I use some CD/DVD wipe from Office Depot even if they have some chemical on them already? Possibly an old tee shirt?

Oh, and this is my new heatsink. . . . Zalman (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118223)

[Whyzman]

Hehe...sounds like your computer is attached at the hip! :D

Sure you can do and redo... Some heatsink clips are a bit tougher than others to remove easily.

Lint free=eye glass/lens tissues

Don't use anything that will leave a residue.

[odannyboy000]

I use a glasses cloth (you know, a cloth to rub glass lenses so you can see more clearly)

Yes, you can apply the thermal paste, then scrape it off and apply the arctic silver. If I were you, I would want to go ahead and do that, even though it will be a lot more labor. It is worth it though, since your cpu is running hot like you said. You picked up a great heatsink I see. Prescotts run so hot. What is yours running at, I am curious.

[odannyboy000]

Dang you wiseman, you got your post before I saw it, and after I entered mine!!! :)

"That'll teach him", I bet your thinking.

[Whyzman]

Actually, I was thinking, "Isn't this great that there are so many folks here anxious to help out!" ;)

Some, however, type faster than others....:D

[Elwood]

I get 46C idle and then sometimes it idles at 55C. It has a mind of it's own. I thought there were probelms with my software that monitors the temps so I went into the bios and sitting still I get around 61C.

But, I did have a hicup on the stock heatsink install. I placed it on there and it didn't want to seat properly, so I had to rotate it.

I am tired of being concerned about the CPU temps so I ordered the Zalman. I want no concerns with this PC, in fact, I want to be able to push it; hopefully I can now.

[saphalline]

With LGA 775, I would recommend against messing with the CPU anymore than you have to. Because LGA 775 is reversed (the CPU has "cups" and the socket has "pins") it is very fragile. Intel officially rates LGA 775 at just 15 CPU installations before you need a new mobo. Don't mess with it anymore than you have to. I know it's painful, but wait for the AS 5. Your CPU is in no further danger at this point since P4 mobo's have a built-in shut-down temp. Just be patient and do it right.

[Elwood]

I went ahead and installed the new heatsinke with the supplied paste. Now, I can say that I have batched this one up again b/c I had to bolt the heatsink down kinda strangely. Before I realized how i could bolt the cooler down properly, I had to remove it about 2 times. The PSU prevented me from getting my screwdriver from fastenening the bolts down at the same time. However, since the part is a "binding bracket", I got the touch side completely down then fastened down the other. So, I will reapply the AS-5 when I get it in on Monday. I did not take the CPU out of the socket, so I hope that I did not do any damage.

Since I will have to redo it, I may have a better feel to the art of spreading the paste. I spread it all the way up neat the edges of the top bevel of the CPU, was this correct or should I have just spread it in the middle only?

Also, THIS THING WORKS! :p :p :p
Initially I saw 37C, but currently I am idling at 42C as apposed to 53C before. And, my load on 3D Benchmark 05 is about 56C where I have easily hit 65-68 before.

Once I get my applicaion of paste correct, I should see these temps drop too. Great heatsink and I love the design.

[Whyzman]

How to apply:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

[saphalline]

Follow those instructions to the letter! Arctic Silver knows better than anyone how to apply thermal grease. And theirs is the best stuff out there. I can also personally attest to the first of the "Important Precautions" - Don't put it in your mouth. Trust me, it doesn't taste very good! :eek:

[pave_spectre]

Don't put it in your mouth. Trust me, it doesn't taste very good!
:confused: You do realise I have to ask? :D

[Whyzman]

"Important Precautions" - Don't put it in your mouth. Trust me, it doesn't taste very good! :eek:Somehow saph that doesn't surprise me about you! :rolleyes: Those blisters from the hot stove healed up yet?

[saphalline]

It was a mistake, I swear! I was installing a CPU, and putting on AS 3 at the time. I was using the plastic bag and had an itch on my chin. I was holding something in the other hand, so I had to use the hand with the plastic bad w/AS 3 on it to itch. Later on, I found out some AS 3 had gotten a little too close to my mouth. Ugh! I had to wash out my mouth! Mostly because I was afraid to swallow that stuff! :eek: :(

[beerbelly]

That's bueatiful!

[Elwood]

Point well taken. I will redo it tomorow anyway. I may have placed a tiny bit too much b/c it went to nearly the edges. But I will get it corrected tomorrow.

BTW, I really am digging this heatsink. My CPU heat concerns have nearly vanished.

[jlreich]

It was a mistake, I swear! I was installing a CPU, and putting on AS 3 at the time. I was using the plastic bag and had an itch on my chin. I was holding something in the other hand, so I had to use the hand with the plastic bad w/AS 3 on it to itch. Later on, I found out some AS 3 had gotten a little too close to my mouth. Ugh! I had to wash out my mouth! Mostly because I was afraid to swallow that stuff! :eek: :(
Hehehe! I would have loved to see the look on your face when that happened. :D