Attatching a heat-sink

[dazed&confused]

Can anyone tell me about the benefits (if any) of using heat-sink compound? (I'm not even sure if that's what it's called. The gooey stuff between the heat-sink and CPU.) I work in a small repair shop, and have noticed it on many PC's, but we don't keep any of it in stock. If there are already clamps that hold the heat-sink in place, then what's the purpose of the compound?

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"Many times I've wondered how much there is to know." -Led Zeppelin

[bassman]

The compound is a thermal paste. it helps transfer heat to the heatsink and also eliminates air space between the CPU and heatsink. This air can trap heat and prevent effective transfer. I say "GET SOME."
Where you ask???? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Any of your supply vendors or computer wharehouse type dealers should carry it.

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If I tell you to think for yourself, then you're not doing it.
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This is not directed at those asking questions in order to gain knowledge. That shows you are thinking.

[iisbob]

As bassman explained above, what you're probably seeing is a thermal compound. It is Highly recommended that you use this in place of a thermal tape or paste; there are many discusions still going on about the effectiveness of the thermal tape that most ( read 99% ) retailers use on stock heatsink-fan/cpu combo's. Some conductivity is better than none i suppose, but personally i do not use thermal tape(s) of any kind.

Ideally you would have metal to metal contact with no gaps inbetween. Since this is practically impossible, this is where a thermal compund comes in to help fill the microscopic gaps in the metal surfaces. You don't need but a thin coating on either the cpu core and the heatsink, about paper thin will be enough.

Here is an excellant guide/tutorial on the subject; Heatsinkguide.com (http://www.heatsink-guide.com/compound.htm) be careful in applying and/or removing any thermal compound- Artic Silver (http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm) has another great guide to removing/applying proper thermal compound.

Personally i'm looking forward to the genius who comes up with a better ( yet still practical ) cooling solution for CPU's/PC's-instead of the old convection/conduction we use now.


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iisbob
"Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." --Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

[YODA74]

iisbob, i went to those two sites good info. but is there a real problem with people trying to eat and smoke the stuff??Heck of a disclamer.Heck don't get that much on rat poison. LOL.

[bassman]

Yoda??? Didn't you hear about the woman that tried to sue the contraceptive jelly maker. She claimed she put it on her toast every day and she still got pregnant http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/tongue.gif

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If I tell you to think for yourself, then you're not doing it.
.
.
This is not directed at those asking questions in order to gain knowledge. That shows you are thinking.

[kenja]

I don't know about the "grease" that's out now, but it used to be a big "no-no" to rub your eyes with it on your hands.