BEST HSF or athlon XP??

[Phibian1]

Repost from my thread a few minutes ago about the XP 1600+ running in the 50-60C range...

 

[MilkPowderR]

Are you planning to overclock?
What HSF are you using right now? Using any thermal grease or ASII?

If you're using a stock HSF, then try something like Globalwin Fop32 (cheap).

If you're going to overclock the snot out of it, then get Alpha Pal8045, Swiftech MC462A, or ThermalRight SK-6.

 

[Phibian1]

not planning to OC. I have the stock HSF on there now and it runs 50-60C. I took the HS off once to change MOBO and just reused it with the same cooling compound as before, and actually wondered if not applying new goo would affect cooling. I'm not sure though. I;ve heard that it mostly just acts as a lubricant between parts that expand and contract at different rates.

-Phib

 

[MilkPowderR]

Using a thermal grease or paste is a must. They actually help conduct heat from CPU to HSF. Without using it, the temp will rise and will become more unstable.

At least, use the thermal tape that comes with the aftermarket HSF when you get it. It's better than nothing... and that is with it not overclocked as you said. =)

 

[chizow]

Ummm....I think you should reapply thermal compound there ASAP and then check your temps. Not only are you using the stock goop, you're now using mutilated stock goop. :Q Get it off both your heatsink and your CPU and then reapply it. There are lots of articles stressing the importance of good, continuous contact between the CPU and the compound and the compound and the heatsink. Put it this way, an air bubble to heat is like that big lake between me and London (I'm in Wash. DC btw). Multiply that by thousands and you get a lot of inefficient heat dispersal.

Chiz

 

[Phibian1]

cool. I'll replace the goo ASAP.

Is it safe to scrape the old goo off the top side of the CPU (the side in contact with the HS) with something?

If you have links to any sites describing the goo-application process, I'd love to see 'em. Thanks for the info!

-Phib

 

[chizow]

It depends what the old goop was. If it was a thermal pad (has a putty-like texture), then you will want to scrape most of it off and then gently work the rest off with Q-tips and Acetone (nailpolish remover) and/or Isopropyl alcohol. I think people had better ways to get it off. I used a razor-blade and a very tiny flat head screwdriver. I never touched the core itself, just kinda worked it off by jabbing at it (like getting gum out of your sneakers when you were a kid). For the heatsink, go ahead and make contact, I would use a razorblade just so you don't end up scratching/dinging it with a screwdriver. Get most of it off, and again, work the rest off with a Q-tip and some acetone/alcohol. You can even use water and dishwashing soap with a paper towel on the heat sink. Just make sure it is fully dry before putting it near your computer again. Also clean any soap residue with alcohol. If it is thermal paste (liquidy and white), just use acetone/alcohol with a Q-tip and it should come off. Make sure you have some goop lying around. Personally I prefer AS2 if not for better results, than for the ease of application. It has better texture than thermal grease, making it easier to get a nice even coat on the core.

Chiz

 

[Phibian1]

Acetone on the CPU?? Is that really safe?

 

[Maverick319]

Yeah, as screwy as it sounds, take a Q-Tip and DAMPEN it with Acetone, then wipe it off the core quickly with the other end of the Q-Tip. It takes awhile, but you will be amazed at how much gunk you can clean off that way. I just bought a 1.2 266FSB Axia and am going to clean it off again and try AS's new Alumina compound as it has NO conductivity whatsoever.

 

[Wind]

Nail polish remover works for me.

 

[chizow]

<< am going to clean it off again and try AS's new Alumina compound as it has NO conductivity whatsoever. >>



Just curious to why you are concerned about this? Possibly shorting some of the bridges with traces of AS2? I just give it a good rub to make sure there's no traces of AS2 leftover.

Pulled this from the AS2 site:

Arctic Alumina Compound uses a layered composite of aluminum oxide and boron nitride to provide near Arctic Silver II level performance.

I dunno, I think I'm just gonna stick with AS2 for now, but it sounds like quality stuff.

Chiz

 

[GundamW]

I used the instructions here to apply ASII on my XP1600+:

AS II instructions

See if that helps.

 

[Jerboy]

<< Repost from my thread a few minutes ago about the XP 1600+ running in the 50-60C range... >>



What is your definition of "best"? For some it means super cooling performance for overclockability and for average people it means affordable and quiet.

I would not change the stock heatsink. Its an excellent heatsink for everyday use. You can get something like Volcano 6Cu+ for gain in cooling performance assuming you don't mind having your PC sound like jet engine. Alpha8045 is said to have good cooling and low noise, but very expensive at about $50.


The pad thing is ruined once its installed then ininstalled. Clean off the remains from the heatsink and CPU the best you can using something petroleum based such as kerosene, paint thinner, sticker remove etc. Do it a few times until its not sticky anymore and give it a final wipe with rubbing alcohol. No need to scrape. It comes right off.

You don't need to follow the extensive ASII instruction. Just smear enough white compound to cover the middle of CPU with thin layer.