CPU-fan and NH-D14 mod: Seeking "CLU" Advice

[BonzaiDuck]

So . . . as I cluttered the threads recently with a query about the Akasa Viper 140 "R" fan . . . I'm obviously going into my case to d**k around with the cooler, exhaust duct and fan.

It occurs to me this is an opportunity to replace my IC Diamond TIM with either Coollaboratory Liquid Ultra, CoolLab's "pads" or Indigo Xtreme.

Of course, the IHS was lapped flat and free of nickel, as was the D14 base.

There will be a "stain." the ICD paste uses a light oil that supposedly dissipates with use. ICD even suggests that their nano-diamond paste can be "used" with other TIMs, but that's not my objective.

I'm thinking I could just clean the IHS and HSF-base with 100% Isopropanol. [Or even 70% . . ] Much prefer to avoid removing the processor and lapping it again.

Any thoughts? Any experiences in this sort of "TIM-transition" starting with either ICD or any other TIM?

 

[dma0991]

I wouldn't bother too much (the difference is miniscule at best) if I were to swap frequently but I'll spend a little more time and effort if its a once in a blue moon kind of routine.

A thorough routine involves wiping the old TIM with pure IPA. This is followed by polishing the base and IHS with metal polish (Brasso or similar), which removes the tarnish on the copper and give it some shine. Another few rounds of wiping with IPA afterwards to remove any residue left by the metal polish.

If performing a fast swap, as in doing tests of multiple TIMs, I'd skip the polishing part and just wipe with IPA till it looks sufficiently clean.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I wouldn't bother too much (the difference is miniscule at best) if I were to swap frequently but I'll spend a little more time and effort if its a once in a blue moon kind of routine.

A thorough routine involves wiping the old TIM with pure IPA. This is followed by polishing the base and IHS with metal polish (Brasso or similar), which removes the tarnish on the copper and give it some shine. Another few rounds of wiping with IPA afterwards to remove any residue left by the metal polish.

If performing a fast swap, as in doing tests of multiple TIMs, I'd skip the polishing part and just wipe with IPA till it looks sufficiently clean.

At this point, it's just a "$13 thought." I think the Liquid Ultra or similar Indium-based TIMs are worth about 2C degrees drop in temperature from IC Diamond. Maybe a little more, but not less.

You may be right about the marginal benefit. But it's also not a lot of trouble. I have a week or so to think it over, I suppose . . .