Did I mess up the thermal paste?

[scoobyx13x]

I was using arctic silver on a A64 chip, installing a scythe ninja onto it. I followed the directions and got a dab in the center. But when I put tried to put the heatsink on (that thing is huge!!) it kind of slid to the side a bit. I picked it up off the processor and reseated it, and after alot of struggling and sliding finally got it clamped down.

I've not tested it yet (waiting for a powersupply in the mail) but I was wondering if this will be OK or if I should try to get the heatsink off and do a reinstall.

 

[Mogadon]

It's probably fine.

There' no harm in reseating it though, now you know how much force / pressure it takes to seat the HSF you'll probable get better contact if you try again.

 

[alk3997]

Your efforts are not unusual with the Ninja. A local computer shop suggest that after putting the 1 pea-sized glob in the middle to spread it evenly with your index finger. I then had someone else look to make sure I had spread it evenly with no overflow of the edges.

Temperatures were good at the beginning and then a few days later dropped about 3-4 degrees.

It isn't easy to put the Ninja onto the CPU, but it is well worth-it.

Andy

 

[emilyek]

It'll be fine, however:

You should try spreading a paper-thin coat over the whole IHS. I know that the AS5 people say to use a drop in the center-- but the thin spread is easier to get right and it works great.

After lots of applying and unapplying because I was uncertain how well the dot smooshed out when I put the HS fan on, I think the overall coat works better than the dot.

It's just easier to apply and works as well or better.

 

[scoobyx13x]

Thanks for the help guys. I'm going to try and get it reseated tomorrow using the spread method, maybe it will be easier this time since I know what to expect.

is 99% rubbing alchol (sic) still the best remover for the AS5?

 

[Mogadon]

Yeh, 99% is great, 90% will work fine too and it's usually easier to come by.

 

[pelikan]

Reasons to use a blob of AS5 in the center rather than spread it (originally posted by the President of AS):

- The IHS is often concave. If you use a blob you will get better contact.

- Letting the heatsink spread the blob while you mount it prevents tiny air bubbles.