Newbie questions

[avhokie]

I'm putting together a new PC for the first time in a LONG time. I have a heatsink that has a thermal pad (?) on the bottom. Is this pad supposed to be sticky? All the instructions I've seen tell you to peel the tape off the pad before installing, but mine has no tape and is not sticky. Could it be used?

Also, should I still apply thermal compound if I have the pad?

Thanks!
avhokie

 

[Egrimm]

No, the pad isn't necessarily sticky, but as you say there's most often tape on the pad to protect it before you apply it. It can be used, but you'll get better results with any kind of paste.

You shouldn't apply the paste with the pad still on, it'll give you higher temps, probably higher than with the pad alone as you risk the materials insulating instead of transfering the heat. Scrape the pad off, lap the hsf downto make sure that it's flat (optional), clean it and apply the paste (here's a guide guide to applying Artic Silver (applies to any paste).

 

[avhokie]

Thanks for the reply! I'll take the pad off and use paste instead.

Thanks,
avhokie