Mounting a HSF with that wax stuff instead of Arctic Silver

[HeroOfPellinor]

The HSF I ordered for my in-laws' computer came with that wax stuff on the bottom. When I built my last computer I tried to remove the wax from the HSF, but it never fully came off and I ended up buying another HSF for way too much at CompUSA just because I could see there was no wax.

If I use the wax that came on it, will it cool much less effectively? Should I still apply some AS to the CPU?

Thanks.

 

[anthrax]

that thermal compound which came with the HEat sink should have been nuff....your mother in law probably won't O"C her CPU..

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

I highly recommend using AS over standard thermal compound. It cools better and doesn't leave a melted mess when you want to change or re-mount CPU's. Also, don't mix AS with thermal compound. Use a razor blade to remove it and 400-600 grit sandpaper to lap the remaining compound off. Apply a very thin layer (something like the thickness of heavy-weight paper) on the die and carefully mount the HSF over the socket. It's really quite easy once you've done it a few times.

 

[amdskip]

I would use finger nail polish remover (must contain acetone) or else goo gone (a combination of both seems to work best) to remove the old thermal junk. Artic silver is a must in my book even if you are not gonna overclock the pc.

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Thanks guys. I tried nail polish remover last time, but it didn't do it. I was still able to scrape off the gum after cleaning it. We just painted a couple weeks ago, so I think we have some sand paper lying around somewhere.

 

[Antoneo]

Originally posted by: HeroOfPellinor
Thanks guys. I tried nail polish remover last time, but it didn't do it. I was still able to scrape off the gum after cleaning it. We just painted a couple weeks ago, so I think we have some sand paper lying around somewhere.

Well, I originally used 91% isopropyl alchohol + paper towel. Did not work well. What did work however was the 91% isopropyl alcohol and old sock. Apply pressure using the sock with your finger nail on the area that needs rubbing off and its more or less gone. Don't use hot water to heat the stuff off because from what I've been told, the wax melts into the HS' microscopic holes and lessens the thermal transfer. But anyway, the HS+thermal pad solution should do its job. If you are ocing, you're better off using AS1/2/3 or any grease.