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Arctic Silver 3 on Pentium 4 Northwoods

S

S0me1X

Golden Member
I am having a really wierd problem with AS3 and Pentium 4 + Alpha 8942. It goes something like this:

I apply a very thin layer of AS3 on the CPU, then install the heatsink. Everything would work fine for about 2 weeks. I could overclock from 1.8ghz to 2.5ghz just fine.

However, after about 2 weeks, the computer would practically refuse to be overclocked. BUT if I remove the heatsink, clean off the heatsink/cpu and re-apply some AS3, everything would work fine for another 2 weeks.

I've tested phenonmenon for a couple of months now. The only thing really strange is that the heatsink would be stuck to the CPU after two weeks. (In fact, the bond between the CPU and heatsink is so strong that I pulled CPU right out of the ZIF socket.) So I guess the AS3 denatures after 2 weeks of use? Should I switch to something like Arctic Alumina?

 
that's is bizarre. i've never had any problems with my AS3. for me, the stuff stays exactly the same after months and months of use. *shrugs*.
 
Weird.. When I used regular thermal paste (came with my Aeroflow and I didn't have any AS3 at the moment), it bonded and pulled the CPU out. Before that, I had the stock HSF with AS3 and it didn't pull it out.
 
Never had this happen with any of my systems that I use AS3 on, but maybe a couple of guesses.

Could the AS3 be old?

When stored it should be kept with the tip down, otherwise the particles will separate over time.
 
I bought the AS3 this summer, but I haven't stored it with tip down. Also, is AS3 supposed to cause the heatsink to stick to the CPU?
 
I think Arctic Silver 3 is suppost to make the heat go to the heatsink better, but i aint to sure on thats. As for using Arctic Silver 3, havent has any problems yet.
 
When stored tip-down the particles would still seperate some, it's just you're guaranteed to still have microscopic heat-conductive particles suspended near the tip (so in theory it should still work). If you have it tip-up (worst case) then you'll get a liquid without very good heat conductivity because all the silver bits, or whatever they are, are at the bottom.

I'm also breaking out some extra AS3 I bought over the summer, which was stored on its side. For the last few days I've had it tip-down, but I'll be sure to inspect what comes out before using it.
 
I have some AS3 and I have never had it stick to any of the processors i have used. never had to reapply it either. I know it is not an adhesive...unless you got the AS3 EPOXY...then that is adhesive that is supposed to conduct and stick together for good...intresteing...what temps do you get your proc to?
 
My motherboard (SR7-8x) reports ~51 Celcius under load. Could I somehow have a "bad" tube of AS3?

btw. When I removed the CPU/heatsink, I could actually hold the entire weight of the Alpha 8942 by holding the sides of the CPU. The only way I can get the CPU off is by sliding/twisting it loose.
 
The large contact area of the P4's heat spreader is probably allowing a strong viscous bond between the heat spreader and the heatsink. Nothing out of the ordinary about that, just physics at work. Considering the far higher demands on thermal compound between an Athlon core and heatsink due to the smaller contact patch, and considering (genuine) AS2 and AS3 hold up under those conditions, I doubt your P4 is causing it to break down (unless it isn't genuine, of course).
 
I remember reading about someone having a similar problem and it turned out that their Alpha was not balanced properly which was causing the AS3 to breakdown/squeeze out due to vibration. Unfortunately I do not recall where I saw it. I know that it was actually AS that helped them resolve th problem so perhaps you should contact them. I will try to find the post again and link to it.
 
Thanks for the help, guys. I'm thinking maybe I should try using the Intel retail cooler again. Also, what is the best way to complete clean off AS3 from the CPU?
 
Originally posted by: S0me1X
Also, what is the best way to complete clean off AS3 from the CPU?
Click to expand...
Use isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth and just wipe it off, should remove it easily.
 
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