do you guys REAPPLY AS2 when you install a new HSF?

[duuuma]

I just installed a new heatsink and all I did was lap the new HS with AS2. I just took a little dap, wiped it on the center of the HS and kept wiping until it disappeared.

My question is, do you guys apply a little more onto the Core also? It didn't look like there was much on my core still...just a thin, scattered layer of the old layer of AS2.

 

[Goi]

No, you reapply AS3

Seriously, yeah I do, coz I have the time and the thermal compound, but I don't use AS though, just some generic paste

 

[JBT]

I always put AS3 on my core. The Artic Silver web site shows you how they think it should be applied.

 

[Earwax]

I would definitely reapply so that you get an even layer of AS2. First system I ever built, I didn't read the instructions - because I'm an idiot - and I just put a dab of the AS2 onto the core and dropped the HSF on top. I built an identical system about 6 months later, applied the AS2 the correct way, and the cpu in that system runs about 3-4 degrees Celsius lower than the original.

 

[OulOat]

Originally posted by: duuuma
I just installed a new heatsink and all I did was lap the new HS with AS2.

Lapped the HS with AS2 eh? Must be the new trend.

 

[duuuma]

Originally posted by: OulOat

Originally posted by: duuuma
I just installed a new heatsink and all I did was lap the new HS with AS2.

Lapped the HS with AS2 eh? Must be the new trend.

? i recognize the sarcasm....but what does it mean? Is it b/c everyone's using AS3 now?

 

[cheapgoose]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone lap the hs, usually the as us applied on the core.

 

[duuuma]

oh i see...well what i did was just follow the Artic silver instructions exactly. That's the same procedure I follow for every build.

After removing/cleaning the thermal wax that comes on the HSF, I squirt some AS2 on the base and rub it into the pores of the heatsink. Then I wipe it clean with a paper towel until it looks like only residue of AS is left. Then, I put a little squirt on the Core and smooth it over to a thin layer.

Anyway, I guess it doesn't matter anymore as I just reapplied AS2 on the core. My idle temp was 52C and that's just too high for my liking.

 

[DongTran]

we reapply AS after every HSF removal because it is a phase changing substance....

 

[OulOat]

Originally posted by: duuuma

Originally posted by: OulOat

Originally posted by: duuuma
I just installed a new heatsink and all I did was lap the new HS with AS2.

Lapped the HS with AS2 eh? Must be the new trend.

? i recognize the sarcasm....but what does it mean? Is it b/c everyone's using AS3 now?

I'm sorry, it's just that by lapping the hs it means you are sanding the hs bottom down till it's mirror smooth, and I never seen anyone lap a hs with anything other than sandpaper.

 

[duuuma]

oh ok, I understand now. I misused the term lap, so sorry about that. After cleaning off my core and heatsink base once again with rubbing alcohol and goof-off, I reapplied AS. This time, I put a thin layer on the core and rubbed it in the HS.

I hope my temps drop more as the AS settles in since they're a little high at 51C idle. My volcano 6cu gave me 45C idle temps but I guess this might be the sacrifice with the (quieter) 24db CoolerMaster HS i'm using now. Also, the 45C temps were on an Epox board, and I don't think the temperature sensor is in the same place now on my new MSI board.

 

[duuuma]

well...my temps are 49C when the computer first boots up....50C at idle...and lord knows how high at full load...hmm, wonder if I have too much AS2 on it?

What's the big difference btw AS3 and 2?

 

[OulOat]

Originally posted by: duuuma
well...my temps are 49C when the computer first boots up....50C at idle...and lord knows how high at full load...hmm, wonder if I have too much AS2 on it?

What's the big difference btw AS3 and 2?

Not enough to justify purchasing AS3 if you already have AS2.

 

[Moeken]

Duuma,
From my experience, the thermal paste used will only contribute a couple of degrees to
your cooling performance (when applied correctly) The big performance gains come from
your actual HSF combination and case cooling set-up.

It sounds like you are applying the AS correctly.