Need more thermal paste for CPU when switching mobos?

[zacharace]

Quick question: My motherboard mysteriously died on me the other day (it was a cheap Biostar...probably got shocked...), and I'm planning on buying a new one tomorrow. I've removed the HSF from the CPU, which is still on the old board. Do I need new thermal paste/grease, since AMD recommends cleaning both the CPU and HSF of old thermal grease?
Thanks,
Zach Arace
PS Planning on buying an MSI Neo3-F. A good choice?
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Rig (with dead mobo):
-Biostar NF4-4XA7 socket 754 mobo (dead)
-AMD Athlon64 3000+ 2.2ghz s754 with retail HSF
-160gb Seagate PATA HD
-ATI Radeon x700 PCIe with 256mb VRAM

 

[Atheus]

Yep, you should clean it off and apply new paste.

 

[jackschmittusa]

Agreed. Never a good idea to try to re-use it.

 

[zacharace]

Thanks. That's what I figured. I'll be sure and pick up some thermal grease.
Anybody have any comments on the MSI, though?
Thanks!

 

[Frodolives]

Currently 47 user reviews of this board at newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?Item=N82E16813130493

 

[Coolgreany]

A related question. Just bought a MB/CPU combo and it came with a boxed AMD-64 3000+ CPU and fan. I didn't see any thermal paste in the box but there appears to be a "duct tape looking" grey area on bottom of fan that may be a layer of paste. Is it? Does Frys or microcenter sell paste?

 

[waitman]

Originally posted by: Coolgreany
A related question. Just bought a MB/CPU combo and it came with a boxed AMD-64 3000+ CPU and fan. I didn't see any thermal paste in the box but there appears to be a "duct tape looking" grey area on bottom of fan that may be a layer of paste. Is it? Does Frys or microcenter sell paste?

Yes, That is a thermal pad that comes factory with the processor. You can use that. You wouldn't really want to put on thermal paste on top of that. Just apply your heatsink and fan right to it

 

[Coolgreany]

Thanks waitman, that's what I figured!!

 

[Billb2]

cbjzarace and Coolgreany:

You'd both be better off cleaning the original "grease/pad" with 95% Isopropyl alcohol, using coffee filters (they're lint free) and applying Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste per the manufacturers directions.

 

[Coolgreany]

Originally posted by: Billb2
cbjzarace and Coolgreany:

You'd both be better off cleaning the original "grease/pad" with 95% Isopropyl alcohol, using coffee filters (they're lint free) and applying Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste per the manufacturers directions.

Why? and which manufacturer - the paste or AMD?

 

[waitman]

Originally posted by: Coolgreany

Originally posted by: Billb2
cbjzarace and Coolgreany:

You'd both be better off cleaning the original "grease/pad" with 95% Isopropyl alcohol, using coffee filters (they're lint free) and applying Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste per the manufacturers directions.

Why? and which manufacturer - the paste or AMD?

Arctic silver will cool the cpu better, usually by a few degrees. Manufacturer instructions=arctic silver.

I would just use the oem hsf as is, because if you clean off the thermal pad on the oem hsf , it will void the the AMD warranty, if this is a retail cpu. I think shin etsu, I think that is how you spell it, is the only alternative to the AMD warranty. Of course you could always keep the original hsf stored and get an aftermarket hsf to use. That way if the cpu bites the dust, you can send it for rma with the original hsf.

 

[Coolgreany]

Thanks waitman. Yes, as I stated above, it's a boxed AMD-64 3000+ CPU and fan so I'll use the paste aon the fan as is. I don't think a few degrees is going to matter for my application.

 

[Coolgreany]

Sorry, one more question. I just put in the CPU with the boxed AMD fan and installed the fan clips on both sides but there is a bllack plastic lever type thing that seems to pivot both clips. I kind of manhandled the clips in. Was there an easier way using this plastic lever or do I need to pivot the lever somehow now that the clips are latched in place?

Nevermind - found some good videos at http://www.geocities.com/ewilk99/index.html

 

[jjsbasmt]

A related question if I may, I use Artic Silver, however, where can I purchase the Thermal Pad replacements that I'm so used to seeing on retail CPUs? Don't get me wrong, I like Artic Silver, but would really prefer to get new Thermal Pads.
Thanks