Any difference between Arctic Silver 3 and 5??

[Schwan]

I haven't built a new computer in a while and have a tube of Arctic Silver 3 laying around. I'm building a new system with a xp-90 heatsink.

Would I see any difference getting the newer Arctic Silver 5 over the 3 that I have? Or would the difference be minimal?

 

[Avalon]

I'd say the difference would be minimal. I've used AS2, AS3, and AS5. Can't really say I saw a noticeable difference in temps between the models. The only thing that stood out to me was that AS5 was thicker than AS3.

 

[miketheidiot]

Arctic silver 5 hardens up real hard and has caused lots of problems removing the HSF. Also its really thick and can be hard to apply.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: Avalon
I'd say the difference would be minimal. I've used AS2, AS3, and AS5. Can't really say I saw a noticeable difference in temps between the models. The only thing that stood out to me was that AS5 was thicker than AS3.

That's pretty much what I've found also. The difference in temperature between AS3 and AS5 would be minimal and I'd just use the AS3 you've got.

 

[zakee00]

Originally posted by: miketheidiot
Arctic silver 5 hardens up real hard and has caused lots of problems removing the HSF. Also its really thick and can be hard to apply.

hm, i didnt know that...i thought it was supposed to stay in its liquidy form. the difference in temp is minimal, 1-2C ive read.

 

[Avalon]

Mine hasn't hardened up on me. I didn't think it was supposed to, since it is grease, after all. Maybe you just received a bad tube, Mike.

 

[fixxxer0]

Arctic Silver5 as far as I know does not get "spread" .... at least on A64's and the big processors.

I cant find the link again, but the AS5 application guide (from AS themselves) says to clamp the HS down with a small dab on the spot where the die is under the A64 heatspeader. It spreads out in a circle covering most of the square chip and they say its the best way. They also say to rotate the HS a little to the left and right to get out any bubbles that may form.

 

[Algere]

Originally posted by: fixxxer0
Arctic Silver5 as far as I know does not get "spread" .... at least on A64's and the big processors.

I cant find the link again, but the AS5 application guide (from AS themselves) says to clamp the HS down with a small dab on the spot where the die is under the A64 heatspeader. It spreads out in a circle covering most of the square chip and they say its the best way. They also say to rotate the HS a little to the left and right to get out any bubbles that may form.

True & I honestly can't say I noticed a temp difference between full spread and little pea size drop on the center of the CPU. I however did notice that with full spread, the CPU would stick hard to the heatsink while with the latter, it was much easier to seperate the two.