Getting stock thermal cmpnd off?

[nocrapman]

I just got a new processor with a HSf. The stock HSF already has some thermal compound(not pad) applied to it. I read somewhere that it is of low quality and is good to take off... and Arctic silver applied. Do you guys agree. If yes should I just remove it with a cloth and some isopropyl alcohol.
Also when applying new As5, the website intsructs to put it only on top of the processor heat spreader and not on the heat sink base. Do you guys agree with that? Any comments will be appreciated. I am just a little too careful as it is my first build.

 

[Howard]

Yes to all your questions.

Use high-purity (>95%) rubbing alcohol or ArctiClean to remove the thermal compound.

 

[nocrapman]

THanks.
Should I apply AS5 to both the surfaces(without spreading)? Thats what the website says... at least for AMD 64 heat spreader.

 

[Painman]

Isopropyl and a lint-free cloth would do the job just fine. But if this is the stock HSF from the A64 in your sig, the compund is in fact high quality (Shin Etsu IIRC) and it would be fine to just leave it be.

If you do choose to replace the compound with AS5, following the maker's instructions is good policy.

Welcome to ATF

 

[CraKaJaX]

Originally posted by: nocrapman
THanks.
Should I apply AS5 to both the surfaces(without spreading)? Thats what the website says... at least for AMD 64 heat spreader.

I just put a drop of AS5 on my CPU and then fastened the HS onto it. Let it spread itself.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Do what the website says!!

Why would the AS5 website NOT tell you the proper way to do things...hmmmm

 

[letdown427]

This should help

Yes to all of your OP questions. Just put it on the CPU in the middle, the HS will squash it out. That thread should sort you out. Have fun

 

[nocrapman]

I do have the A64 HSF. I have not removed the thermal compund yet. Thanks for the info. Does everyone else concur, that its best to leave the original - Shin Etsu IIRC on?

 

[TheStu]

I have heard good things about the thermal pad on the stock AMD heatsinks, and the heatsink itself will do you fine if you are running stock, however if you intend to overclock at all, you should consider replacing your stock heatsink with an aftermarket one... alot of people like the scythe ninja, but i personally dontl ike tower coolers so i would recommend the thermalright SP120 or a zalman cooler.

So if you are running stock the HSF and thermal pad that came with the processor will be fine.

 

[wireeater]

I just use alcohol, paper towel and apply a little pressure. It will usually peel off with a few wipes.

 

[northerner]

Arctic Silver Thermal Remover and Surface Purifier
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arcticlean.htm

Unique 2-Step Process
ArctiClean 1 Thermal Material Remover quickly emulsifies and dissolves the existing thermal grease or pad from the CPU and/or heatsink so that it can easily be removed with a clean cloth or paper towel. A few drops of ArctiClean 2 Thermal Surface Purifier and some gentle wiping then removes the remaining residue and inhibits flash corrosion on copper or aluminum.