Applying Arctic Silver 5 to Dual Core CPU

[FlyingShawn]

I'm building my first dual core rig (AMD X2 3800 with a Zalman 9500) that I intend to overclock and I'm a bit confused on the best way to apply the Arctic Silver 5. Their website recommends putting on a small bit and having the pressure of the heatsink spread it around (worked fine for my last rig), but others recommend spreading it around with a credit card for an ultra-thin, even layer before attaching the heat sink.

The only reason I'm considering the latter method is I'm concerned the Arctic Silver method might not spread it over enough of the heat spreader to effectively cover both cores of the CPU.

Any thoughts?

 

[RallyMaster]

if you're really worried...saran wrap around index finger and spread!

 

[DannyLove]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
if you're really worried...saran wrap around index finger and spread!

that's what I do.

 

[Nate-X]

I found it's easiest and works the best to do the drop in the middle and rotate the heatsink (for my opteron 165). AS5 isn't as easy to spread as the prior versions so it's hard to get a paper thin coat.. for me at least =). I spread it before with a credit card but I must of used too much so I did the drop in the center and I'm at 38 Celsius Idle while overclocked.

 

[raincityboy]

Originally posted by: NateX
I found it's easiest and works the best to do the drop in the middle and rotate the heatsink (for my opteron 165). AS5 isn't as easy to spread as the prior versions so it's hard to get a paper thin coat.. for me at least =). I spread it before with a credit card but I must of used too much so I did the drop in the center and I'm at 38 Celsius Idle while overclocked.

:thumbsup:
Apply it just like you would on a single core

 

[nealh]

According to AS website..small 3/4 BB size in the middle of the IHS..period..

If you spread it out becareful AS5 has been known to pull cpu from the socket unless you run the computer for at least an hour or so...Prime 95 is best way t oget the stuff warm and safer to remove the HS

BTW too much TIM..anyone will affect temps in a negative way

 

[Henny]

If all else fails then do it according to the manufacturers recommendation.

www.articsilver.com

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: Henny
If all else fails then do it according to the manufacturers recommendation.

www.articsilver.com

Exactly!

Okay, look... there are two different kinds of CPU packages. Lidded and non-lidded.

The 'Connie' is a lidded CPU -- and you are 'talking' about using AS5. Accordingly, you do NOT want to spread AS5 on your CPU!!! You want to place a SMALL amount on your 'Connie', kind of rotate the HSF back and forth, and then lock it down.

This is according to the AS5's manufacturer's web site, so take Henny's recommendation (and mine) as rote!

 

[VinDSL]

Oh, BTW...

If you live in a bubble, and feel compelled to put a prophylactic on your finger, and spread thermal grease around your CPU, like lubing up your GF before sex, use MX-1 instead of AS5. Then you won't hurt anything... no pun intended!

 

[FlyingShawn]

Ok, thanks for the advice guys! I built the machine yesterday and did it according to the AS5 official instructions. It was a little tricky to lower the Zalman straight down on top of it because of their bracket design, but I think I got it close enough. Thanks again!

 

[Nate-X]

Originally posted by: FlyingShawn
Ok, thanks for the advice guys! I built the machine yesterday and did it according to the AS5 official instructions. It was a little tricky to lower the Zalman straight down on top of it because of their bracket design, but I think I got it close enough. Thanks again!

Yep =) I have that exact heatsink and it was a little bit of a pain, but once you do it once it becomes much easier.

 

[Powermoloch]

Just follow the instructions @ arcticsilver.com

1 - 1 1/2 rice grain size on the die and let the HSF do the squishing. Don't worry about it.

 

[soydios]

FYI, AMD A64 X2 processors are a single die. Use the same method as if it were a single-core. Kentsfield will be different (two individual die under one heatspreader).

 

[Kwint Sommer]

Originally posted by: VinDSL
Oh, BTW...

If you live in a bubble, and feel compelled to put a prophylactic on your finger, and spread thermal grease around your CPU, like lubing up your GF before sex, use MX-1 instead of AS5. Then you won't hurt anything... no pun intended!

Originally posted by: FlyingShawn
Ok, thanks for the advice guys!...It was a little tricky...but I think I got it close enough. Thanks again!