Applying AS3 to A64 & XP-90

[sodcha0s]

I built my new system a few weeks ago and wasn't sure exactly how to apply the AS3 on the A64. I went to arctic silvers site and followed their directions.... one small dot in the center of the cpu heat spreader, install HS and give it a couple of twists once it's secure to spread out the compound. My temps seem a little high, about 43c @ idle, (no o/c) compared to my 1700+ o/c'ed to 2.2g, temp was 37@ idle. Is it better to just go ahead and cover the whole heat spreader with a thin layer? Wondering if that will help temps....

Guess I should add that my current MOBO is an MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum, not sure how accurate the temp reading is either.

 

[thecrecarc]

maby u should of placed a bigger dot!

 

[sodcha0s]

Heh, well it said like 1/2 a grain of rice, I put about a whole grain. Just trying to figure out the way most people do it.

 

[Anubis]

i usially use a razor blade to make a thin layer over the whole CPU die

 

[nismos804]

Originally posted by: Anubis
i usially use a razor blade to make a thin layer over the whole CPU die

yeah thats what I do I cover the hole thing and use like a credit card to thin it
hey anubis do you go to the gamespot forums?

 

[gururu]

that's exactly how I did a 3200+ on a MSI K8Nneo. I get the same temp (~43) as you. I think it is fine. The AMD really shines under load, where the cpu shouldn't get above 55 C.

 

[sodcha0s]

OK, just seemed a little high compared to my temps on an XP 1700+. Thought it would be cooler, but maybe it's a difference in temp sensing between boards.

 

[DonRamon]

I just put a very very thin layer of it over the entire cpu.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: nismos804

Originally posted by: Anubis
i usially use a razor blade to make a thin layer over the whole CPU die

yeah thats what I do I cover the hole thing and use like a credit card to thin it
hey anubis do you go to the gamespot forums?

no im not a member of the gamespot forums

 

[Mrvile]

I kinda put a bit more than it said, I drew a thin "Z" over my CPU then spread it around with a card. My temps are about 38 - 40 idle, which is fine. I use the XP-90 with a Panaflo fan and a Lian-Li V1000 case.

And I bet Anubis is a pretty common name..

 

[sodcha0s]

I re-applied using the method I used for my XP cpu's..... dot in the middle, spread around evenly with my finger through a plastic baggie and patted it out so I could barely see the markings on the heat spreader. Win Idle temp is now 36c running 2.2g @ 1.45v. That's a HUGE difference. Thanks for the info all!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

The only thing that gives me an uncomfortable feeling about the ThermalRight "XP120" and "XP90" is the instruction to "hook one pair of retention clips" and "lever the heatsink base down on the processor, hooking the second pair of clips when the base is flush with the processor cap." Other heatpipe-heatsink manufactures include instructions that are adamant on making the heatsink base flush with the processor, holding it down and THEN securing the clips.

I think in terms of a "long-grain" rice kernel, drop it on the center of the processor cap, and spread it to cover the entire processor while leaving a little mound of paste in the center. And I gave up Arctic Silver 3 and began using Arctic Silver 5.

Another thing -- one poster mentions using a Panaflo 92mm fan. What sort of fan are you using? I think that heatpipes become more effective with greater throughput. But as I said in another thread -- this is a matter of personal choice. Higher temps, lower noise; lower temps, higher noise. Trade-offs and personal preference.

 

[sodcha0s]

Don't know what difference putting the HS on the chip first would make, but it is quite impossible with this setup. I ran prime95 last night and the temp never got over 50c, even at a considerable overclock and overvolting the chip.

I originally put the TIM on as directed on arctic silvers site, and it obviously wasn't the best method. When I removed the HS, it had spread to about 2/3 the diameter of the cap, but it was way too thick for my liking. I'd use AS5 if I had it, but I still have plenty of AS3 left and there isn't enough of a difference temp wise in the two to warrant buying more.

I'm using an 80mm YS Tech variable speed fan. Best fan I've ever owned. Again, I'd love to put a 92 on there, but the one I have is doing fine so why spend the money?

 

[Mrvile]

The temps I put were wrong, I'm usually around 35 - 37 idle. Anyway the Panaflo I use is a bit loud, but it cools like a beast and throws air like one too. 35dba, 54cfm for those that want to know.