applying thermal paste

[alex666]

I want to apply some arctic silver II to a new K6-III+ chip I have. I have never applied thermal paste before, but from all I have read, it is highly recommended to ensure good heat conduction to the heat sink. Now, at the arctic silver web site, they list some pretty good instructions. However, they say to apply the paste only over the raised center core on the chip. Well, the K6-III is flat, there is no raised center core. Can I assume that there is a center core, and place the paste over say the center third of the chip, or should a I spread it over the entire chip. I'm open to any other suggestions as well. Thanks.

[hiredgoonz]

I'd bet they're talking about chips like the Athlon and Duron where you can see the actual die...the K6III (and K6-2) have a metal plate that covers the entire surface of the chip, die included.

It won't hurt to apply paste to the whole thing and I would do so rather than guess about how big the cpu die is, but be careful around the edges so as to not to get it on the pins...just remember to use a thin layer...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[This message has been edited by hiredgoonz (edited 06-02-2001).]

[Bill Russell]

Alex,

Newer processors have the core exposed in the center of the IC with per-
haps a few small capacitors visible around the core, hence the "raised
area" referred to by the application instructions. (Of course the core
is also in a metal container even though it's "exposed"). Older CPU's
were totally flat, featureless ceramic across the whole top of the chip
and have logos, etc printed on that. Sounds like your case, in which you
should apply a film of paste just thick enough to cover the surface of
the IC (like "hiding" with paint) but leave about 1/8" around the edges
clear because when the heat sink is clamped down on the IC it will tend
to want to squeeze out around the edges, which you don't want. Make sure
you use a heatsink which attaches FIRMLY to the socket also.

[alex666]

Thank you Hiredgoonz (for the second time in two weeks) and Bill Russell. By the way, how do you get the damned clip over the chip? When I put it on the first time, I thought I was going to destroy the chip. Is there some secret? I actually have a heat sink for a Pentium III that is bigger than the original heat sink, and looks like it would work, but I could not get the clip in place, and I barely got the clip over the original chip. Again, any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[tjaymadison]

You can apply the thermal paste to mating surface of the heatsink.

Same difference. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
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[hiredgoonz]

It will be a tight fit, but I don't recommend using a heatsink designed for a different processor...it may work, but you run the risk of breaking something if it doesn't...

I know the sockets are different, but I'm not positive if it precludes using heastsinks interchangeably...if you're sure you're putting it on right and it won't go, don't force it...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.