Amd XP 1600+ OEM Newbie Question

[Pikkon]

I've been told if you have an OEM version of a CPU then there is no thermal paste. What exactly is thermal paste (where does it go)? Is thermal paste a must to have for an AMD XP 1600+ CPU? Where can you get thermal paste and about how much does it cost if its important for the CPU? Also anyone have suggestions on a fan and heat sink to use with the XP 1600+ cpu, and what should the idle and processing temp be? Have a great weekend and thanks in advance for the help =)

 

[sad]

Hi, you can read up on the subject here at http://www.articsilver.com/as2.htm.
A tube of Artic Silver II can be had for $7.95 at http://www.svcompucycle.com/arsilii30gsy.html <free shipping too> It's 5bucks if you buy it with a heatsink... that's an awesome deal.

They also have great prices for heatsinks. If you don't want to spend much, pick up a golden gate for ~$20.

If you want to go top of the line, you can get an Alpha Pal8045 for ~$45.

 

[Wind]

<< I've been told if you have an OEM version of a CPU then there is no thermal paste. >>


Half correct coz termal pad/paste comes w/ the HSF. OEM CPU didn't come w/ HSF...so didn't come w/ termal pad/paste either



<< What exactly is thermal paste (where does it go)? >>


Is a substance tht u put between the CPU core & the HSF to allow better transfer of heat. It is use to fill up the microscopic area of the inperfect bottom of the HSF to allow better contact w/ the CPU core.



<< Is thermal paste a must to have for an AMD XP 1600+ CPU? >>


It is a must for all CPU + HSF installation especially AMD based PC as AMD tend to produce more heat.



<< Where can you get thermal paste and about how much does it cost if its important for the CPU? >>


Dun worry. The paste/pad will come w/ every HSF u buy...it comes w/ the HSF.



<< Also anyone have suggestions on a fan and heat sink to use with the XP 1600+ cpu, >>


If u dun plan to O/C, no need to spend $$ on a high-end HSF. SK-6 seems to be a good choice. Otherwise, look at the volcano series & the coolermaster series of HSF.



<< and what should the idle and processing temp be? >>


I'll need ur ambient temp. Then case & CPU temp both idle & f/load to tell if ur temp is OK.

 

[Pikkon]

Thank you both very much for the information you have provided this helps a lot.