Arctic Compound question

[Poncherelli]

I'm debating whethe or not to get this stuff from my new system i'm building or if i should go with just the taisol 760 with the thermal pad. How much of a difference will it make, how difficult is it to use, and most importantly, how often does it need to be applied? Thanks.

 

[Jex]

Fairly easy to use. Just follow the directions on Arctic Silver's web site.

It should be re-applied every time you remove your HSF for sure. Other than that, there have been mixed reports of the stuff "drying up" and what not, but doesn't seem to be anything substantiated. Maybe someone else can comment on this.

If you're not going to overclock, then the thermal pad should be adequate. However, using ASII instead of a thermal pad will get you a few degrees cooler, which will definately matter when overclocking.

 

[Poncherelli]

I do plan on overclocking this system, hopefully to between 1.5-1.6 (i'm getting a 1.33 chip). So you would recommend the ASII and maybe like the lesser taisol one, the one without the copper pad whatever it is? I don't really plan on removing the HSF once i put it on, so how long would the ASII last on there?

 

[bacillus]

<< so how long would the ASII last on there? >>


theoretically, a very long time as it doesn't dry out!

 

[MoFunk]

When using compound, should I scrape off that thermal pad that is under the heatsink first. Or does it matter?

 

[2Cool]

Yes, scrape the pad off with a fingernail, clean all the residue with a good solvent (nail polish remover aka acetone, carb cleaner, or something). Make sure its completely clean before applying the thermal compound.

Do NOT scrape with a metal tool, or anything else that can scratch the aluminum and/or copper base.

 

[Courtland]

what do you guys use for your &quot;lint free&quot; cloth? I don't feel like going out and buying lens cleaning cloth or anything. Will a clean cotton t-shirt or a cotton swab work?

 

[Garet Jax]

2Cool,

I would actually recommend using the solvent and a lint free cloth to remove the thermal pad from the HSF. It comes off easily and there is no chance of leaving dead skin and oil behind.

Courtland,

I bought my lint free clothes from Target. Go to the section where you buy J clothes. There is a wide selection there. I bought some made by 3M. Quite cheap: a couple of bucks.

 

[MoFunk]

So solvent or nail polish remover will dissolve the pad?