Do i need Thermal Paste?

[moonshinemadness]

I just bought a new fan thats rated up to XP 2800 and is on a XP 1600+ Palamino, its got an 80mm fan on top (An Arctic Colling HS/Fan) The heatsink has a copper plate on the bottom that sits on top of the core which is then attached to an ordinary HS (Aluminium?) Anyway since i installed it my temps have gone up, now the installation instructions say i do not need any Thermal Paste but im thinking maybe i do currently CPU is at 54deg full load when before it would be 48/49. Any ideas?

 

[WarCon]

The instructions say not to use thermal compound? Really?

A thermal compound of some kind is very necessary.

 

[ViciousDough]

Most Heatsinks or fans usually is a good idea to use a thermal compound. But could the reason why the instructions say not to is because there is already some in there already? Check to se if there is a little square of some gray stuff at the bottom of your heatsink. If there isn't then maybe it would be a good idea to put some of the thermal compound to seal the space between the CPU and heatsink. Make sure you don't put a lot though. Also check to see if you installed the heatsink correctly and that it has a nice hold to it. Had that problem before but I just had to fasten the thing a little better.

 

[moonshinemadness]

I hasnt got any on and is in full contact with the latch well in position, Instructions off box, 'Put a thin layer of thermal paste on the DIE (Only for coolers without thermal pad)'
I thought that the copper part was the thermal pad, maybe i was wrong ill wack some on anyway just for the to be safe, thanks guys.

 

[pelikan]

That copper plate isn't a thermal pad. You definately need thermal paste.

 

[prometheusxls]

Is there a TIM on the HSF? Looks like bubblegum? If so thermal paste is not needed, if it jsut bare metal then you will need some.

 

[moonshinemadness]

Thanks guys, i just put some on and it at 42degs full load Not to shabby

 

[EeyoreX]

For the most part, yes some thermal paste should be used. However, in all honesty, 54C is not all that bad either...

\Dan