AS3: Good or Evil?

[Asrial]

I've been getting alot of mixed information about Arctic Silver III.

Some say it's awesome, others say it's horrible.

I've heard it mentioned that it can dry out and cause motherboard/CPU damage. I've also heard it mentioned that it shouldn't be used on graphics cards because it will mess them up.

So, tell me your thoughts all..

I'd really like to hear some good stories about it lasting a long time without issue

Can I use it on a graphics card (high end) or should I not touch the stock items?

 

[Zim Hosein]

Asrial, first off, welcome to the AT forums

Now to answer your questions from personal experience, AS3 is better than using a thermal pad but care has to be taken in applying the correct amount. Too much or too little and you will hurt your temps. A paper thin layer that completely covers the core is exactly what you need. For "official" instructions click here:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

I've never had it dry out on me, and my rig is in a non-air-conditioned room, so it does deal w/ quite a bit of ambiant heat. As for using AS3 on graphics cards, that's one mod I have not done, but I'm sure someone who has can jump in here and take over for me

 

[kgraeme]

It's absolute Evil. Unmitigated spawn of Satan. I use it.


Actually, I'm quite interested in Arctice Alumina since it's supposed to clean up much better.

 

[Asrial]

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
A paper thin layer that completely covers the core is exactly what you need.

When's the last time you were able to layer some thermal grease onto a CPU and have it "paper thin"? ::grins::

I think I did okay. I layered on one amount, but it seemed a bit too thin (not transparent though) so I put on a little bit more.

I haven't noticed any difference one way or another yet, but it hasn't been 72 hours.

 

[DongTran]

AS3 = ultimate weapon against the forces of evil

 

[BD231]

AS3 is goooooooood my friend, very good indeed

 

[Asrial]

What about using it on a graphics card?

 

[Jeff7]

I use it (or Arctic Silver 2) on anything that needs to be cooled, including graphics cards. My Geforce4 has custom cooling on the core and RAM, all attached with AS3 and some regular 2-part epoxy. The main issue with graphics cards is that if you get too much AS3 on the chip you're cooling, and it gushes over the edge, it will run across many electrical contacts, and though Arctic Silver maintains that it is not conductive, it is capacitive, and so can cause electrical problems. So the same policy applies to graphics cards as with CPU's - don't use too much; only a thin layer.

 

[Biggs]

As long as there is a hot chip paired with a heatsink, using AS3 would literally fill in between the gaps, which is good.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

AS3 good! (Napster bad!) AS3 is very, very good. I think I hit the magical thickness - my CPU is running a scant 5 degrees C over case temp, while under load. (37 case, 42 CPU)

The trick is ... well ... do what they say on the site. Put a little dab on the heatsink, use a business card and smooth it across the core. Not that hard really, just make sure it stays on the core alone.

Looks like I'll be joining the 10K club at Madonion soon.

- M4H

 

[vetteguy]

I just put some on the other day...and it was VERY hard to get a "paper thin" layer. I think I probably ended up with too much, but any less and I could still see core through the compound. Oh well.

 

[blade]

As3 is the best out now. But I never use it. Why? I change heatsinks too often and it's too difficult to remove. So I use Arctic Alumina. Performance is slightly less, maye a degree or so. But the main thing is for me, it cleans up so much easier.

 

[Wind]

AS3 is good. It can be used on all chip + HSF combo. When the official w/site said "paper thin"...it just mean "thin"...like after putting it on the core...u can still see the image of the writing of the CPU.

Cleaning...use nail polish remover or alcohol. When applying...just remember not to spill those grease onto the CPU circuit...could cause "short" & burned ur CPU. AS3 normally takes around 48 hrs to work effectively.