New P4 retail 2.4BGig CPU installation help needed.

[donfm]

OK I just got the first half of my order for my new PC hardware. I expected the retail version of Intels 2.4B Gig CPU to come with some sort of heatsinking compound to lap on the CPU before installing the stock heatsink. Instead, what it looks like is they just provided a cheap sticky back pad attached to the underside of the heatsink and no directions on what to do. Is this adequate? I always thought those pads were crap and a compound should be used. Help me out here fellas I need to know if i just slap the heatsink on the CPU as is or clean the pad off and get some REAL thermal compound. Jeez Intel! How much would it have cost to supply a couple drops of sinking compound with the retail version. How do I install this bad boy?

 

[WarCon]

Intel's black pad is ok if your not planning on overclocking. Only real downside is that it sticks itself to the processor and its very common to pull the chip out of the socket when you remove your heatsink.

If you are gonna overclock then I suggest a good thermal compound put on in a very thin layer.

Good luck.......

 

[donfm]

Dumb question but how do you get the processor "unstuck" from the heatsink? Is it like permanently bonded or just needing a little friendly pulling or prying persuasion to release it.

 

[Detselom]

pretty much

 

[WarCon]

Yeah, but if you use it and then pull your heatsink you will need to get some thermal compound, because its only one time use.

 

[donfm]

I read on one of the tech forums that once you use the pad the paraffin gets in the microscopic cracks and crevices of the heatsink metal and then the heatsink cannot be reused. Well it CAN be reused but the thermal transfer is compromised. Good work Intel....the heatsink is trash if you use the pad and the warranty is void if you don't. Darned if you do and darned if you don't I guess.

For those of you who used this pas is there a protective plastic film that has to be removed before sticking it to the CPU?

 

[WarCon]

I use paint thinner to remove the wax from the heat sink, then clean it again with good rubbing alcohol. If I really think its compromised by the pad then I will give it a light lapping with 600/1200 grit sandpaper.