Is the heatsink goo necessary for cpu fans?

[rc240sx]

I changed my CPU fan today on my PIII 800 socket 378. The fan I bought did not come with the heatsink goo compound. The computer is running fine now. Is it necessary to put the goo between the heatsink and processor?

 

[whitelight]

yes, it helps transfer the heat between the two mediums. but i wouldn't use the goo they included. go for artic silver or something similar. they last longer and transfer the heat better.

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

although if desperation hits, generic goo is better than air

 

[FlowerMan]

Use whatever thermal compound you have available. Even the cheapest will do, as it is just a P3 800mHz.

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: rc240sx
I changed my CPU fan today on my PIII 800 socket 378. The fan I bought did not come with the heatsink goo compound. The computer is running fine now. Is it necessary to put the goo between the heatsink and processor?

So you didn't use a thermal compound at all?

Definitely use some kind of thermal compound, I'd go with arctic silver if I were you

 

[Elcs]

Although I doubt you need some thermal compound, Arctic Silver 3 will be a cheap investment. AFAIK, its used on every new Processor type so whatever you upgrade to, you will have some to apply.

 

[0roo0roo]

dans kewl ass goop comparison, btw tooth pasten rules!

 

[WarSong]

has anyone actually trusted their proc to toothpaste?


yes, you definetly should have thermal compound of somekind...

 

[Ilmater]

No, thermal compound is NOT a necessity, though it is nice. If you take the time to lap both surfaces, thermal compound isn't needed. However, if both surfaces were lapped and you used just a paper-thin application of thermal compound, you can get even better results.