Thermal Pastes?

[Tyorik]

Alright, so I'm familiar with such things as Arctic Silver - by familiar I mean I've HEARD of them. So, with that said, is there any suggested as to what thermal paste to use, and under what conditions it's suggested to use? Is it necessary for every processor? And finally, how does one apply thermal paste and is it different per processor as to what kind to get?

I'm using the E6300 and the Intel DG965WH motherboard.

Thanks!

[Galaxian]

top ones are basically MX-1 or arctic silver

i simply use a plastic baggie to cover my finger, apply a small dab in center of cpu and work it straight outword directions untill its all covered with a nice thin layer...many have differnt preferences for applying but work the same no matter what as long as its not too much or not enough

[PrntRhd]

Intel and AMD processors usually come with thermal pads, you just remove the covering and latch the HSF to the board after removing the protective film.
Those who need more cooling remove the pad material and use compound such as Artic Silver after cleaning the die and HSF with high purity alcohol, and sanding the heat sink completely flat (process known as "lapping" the heat sink).

[sassie05]

Some instructions for Artic Silver:
http://www.articsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

[Erik]

Intel and AMD processors usually come with thermal pads, you just remove the covering and latch the HSF to the board after removing the protective film.
Those who need more cooling remove the pad material and use compound such as Artic Silver after cleaning the die and HSF with high purity alcohol, and sanding the heat sink completely flat (process known as "lapping" the heat sink).


There isn't even a need to do the lapping. I notice a difference just using the AS5 instead of the stock thermal pad. I like to keep some around just because it is cheap and can be used many times.

[Whyzman]

There isn't even a need to do the lapping.Well...maybe not, but now's the time to give it a whirl before you have everything assembled...

mjc reports a common experience of a 3-5 Celsius drop in temps...so, coupled with the Arctic Silver the drop could be substantial...

Here's the directions. I lap all the heatsinks on my installs. The process is really quite easy...

http://www.overclockersclub.com/guides/heatsinklappingguide.php