Is my two years-old AS5 still good?

[Zenoth]

My E8400 arrives tomorrow (got the call from the store for confirmation, and I'm very excited right now). But I haven't touched my AS5 tube in two years (the last time I opened it must have been in November or December of 2005). Do you guys think it should still be of good quality enough? Or should I buy another tube? Or even perhaps look for some of the supposedly better (and indeed looks like it is from what I've read) diamond powder-based paste?

And, on a side note... I haven't touched anything "Intel" since my P4C around three years ago. So I wanted to know if the stock Intel HSF/Fan is known to be good or quite at the opposite, bad? And... is it loud at 100%?

Thanks.

 

[sutahz]

Your AS5 is fine.
Are you going to be OCing? If not the stock HSF is fine.

Then get yourself a aftermarket HSF and enjoy.

 

[Zenoth]

Yes, OC'ing for sure, aiming for 3.6Ghz to 4.0Ghz.

 

[tigersty1e]

Next time, I would lay the tube on its side in the fridge.... or upside down in the fridge (if you don't expect to use it that often) because the silver particles are heavier than the sludge and will settle towards the bottom where ever that may be.

 

[Quiksilver]

I would pass on using AS5 if your gonna OC, due to the fact it needs a cure time. I'd pick up a tube of Arctic Cooling MX-2 or Tuniq TX-2.

 

[Zenoth]

Thanks for the suggestions so far concerning the AS5 and other pastes.

But what about the HSF, should I go for a third party one?

 

[lopri]

Try *diamond* paste. You can easily find. (eBay or specialty shops)



OK That was a joke. DO NOT USE IT, IT WILL EAT COPPER/NICKEL.

 

[Mondoman]

Originally posted by: Zenoth
...
But what about the HSF, should I go for a third party one?

A photo seems to indicate that the e8400s ship with a "1/2-height" aluminum CPU cooler. This may not be as effective a cooler as the "full-height" Intel cooler; however, it won't hurt to try it out -- you can always replace it with an aftermarket cooler later.

 

[Zenoth]

Originally posted by: Mondoman

Originally posted by: Zenoth
...
But what about the HSF, should I go for a third party one?

A photo seems to indicate that the e8400s ship with a "1/2-height" aluminum CPU cooler. This may not be as effective a cooler as the "full-height" Intel cooler; however, it won't hurt to try it out -- you can always replace it with an aftermarket cooler later.

That still spawns the same question.

If I go for an after market cooler later, which one should it be?

 

[watek]

I've been using my Artic Ceramique which is about 4 years old. Works the same as when it was new.

 

[Avalon]

Originally posted by: Zenoth

Originally posted by: Mondoman

Originally posted by: Zenoth
...
But what about the HSF, should I go for a third party one?

A photo seems to indicate that the e8400s ship with a "1/2-height" aluminum CPU cooler. This may not be as effective a cooler as the "full-height" Intel cooler; however, it won't hurt to try it out -- you can always replace it with an aftermarket cooler later.

That still spawns the same question.

If I go for an after market cooler later, which one should it be?

Well, I got my Thermalright Ultra-120 non extreme for $45, and this thing is easily in the top 5 for air cooling. I'd recommend that. You'll need your own fan though (luckily I had quite a few laying around)

 

[LittleNemoNES]

Try *diamond* paste. You can easily find. (eBay or specialty shops)

I'm on it! Thanks for the tip!

 

[Amaroque]

I have some AS5 that is about three years old that I still use. Works just as good as the day I bought it. :thumbsup: