Nicked my Thermal Grease square

[Yoyoson]

I just got my retail Athlon in the mail today - and I peeled off the protective sticker covering the square of thermal compound on the heatsink, and accidentally nicked off a small corner of it with my fingernail.

So a bit of it is gone, and that bit is about as much as can fit underneath a normal-sized fingernail.

My question is, should I just dab a little bit of thermal grease that my friend has on this corner, or should I just go ahead and install it like nothing happened?

Thanks

 

[BG4533]

Remove all of the thermal pad and replace it with some actual thermal compound. Artic Silver 3 would be best, but even what your friend has is probably better than what is already on it.

 

[boomerang]

It's not a thermal pad, it's the factory applied thermal compound they put on retail CPU's.

Just install it. Sounds like you only removed a tiny amount. It will squish out when you install the Heatsink/Fan. You'll be fine.

 

[NYHoustonman]

Just install it. Sounds like you only removed a tiny amount. It will squish out when you install the Heatsink/Fan. You'll be fine.

Or, if you want better performance, and have the money/know-how...

Remove all of the thermal pad and replace it with some actual thermal compound. Artic Silver 3 would be best.

 

[Mday]

here is what the thermal pad does: the heat applied to it from the processor causes it to become liquid. this liquid form pretty much fills all gaps. so, it doesnt matter if you nicked it. just put it back carefully and use it.

of course, i do recommend AS as well.

DO NOT MIX thermal compound type dealies.

 

[TXMatt]

Get some "Goof Off" at your Home Depot or Lowe's, it will be the best solvent to completely remove that crap.

Like many other people recommended, get some .Arctic Silver, arctic alumina, or ceramique .

You will see actual 2-6 degree Celcius drops with the same cooler and this better thermal compound.

BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD, READ, AND USE THE 9 PAGE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR USAGE OF THE STUFF

 

[deerslayer]

Originally posted by: BG4533
Remove all of the thermal pad and replace it with some actual thermal compound. Artic Silver 3 would be best, but even what your friend has is probably better than what is already on it.