Noob Needs 'How To' On A Heatsink/Fan Upgrade

[JeepnTJ03]

I'm getting ready to install some new heatsinks/fans on my P4 and 9800Pro. Picked up some Zalman pieces to do the job better than stock (quieter for sure).

I can read instructions and will get the job done.

My question is this. Is there a step by step HOW TO out there for swapping processor heatsink/fan?

I think I read that I should run the PC for first before doing the swap. But how long and why?

If there is that Artic paste stuff on it now, do I need to clean it up before applying new heat grease? If so, with what?

Also read something about sometimes there are heat pads instead of the grease. Sounds like maybe the pad won't come of clean or do they typically? If not, what is the best way to get this cleaned up?

Your help and advice is appreciated.

 

[DOSfan]

Well, here is what I could find for you.

First, a general guide to instalation from Arctic Silver. (A great thermal compound company.)

Now here is a good guide to go along with it.

And finally, Zalman supposedly has instructions for installing their devices on this page. However, the links to the instructions did not work for me. Maybe you can have better luck?

 

[Farmer]

JeepnTJ03:

If you are using the stock HSF, it should have come with a small thermal contact under the heatsink. In any case, thermal pad or paste, I figure you can use a dry paper towl to wipe that stuff off.

Well, if you already have a cooler replacement, just lift the two levers on the sides of the HSF to the opposite side (some force maybe necessary), and then lift the unit off of your CPU. Your new unit should come with installation directions, just follow those.

As for thermal compound, if your CPU has a heat spreader, just put a dab of Arctic silver in the middle, and then install the heat sink. The pressure will spread the dab of compound into a thin layer between the heatsink and CPU heat spreader. If you CPU does not have a heat spreader, use something like plastic knife to spread a layer of thermal compount evely over the CPU die, and then install the HSF.

So, are you overclocking your Radeon?

 

[User1001]

Originally posted by: Farmer
JeepnTJ03:

If you are using the stock HSF, it should have come with a small thermal contact under the heatsink. In any case, thermal pad or paste, I figure you can use a dry paper towl to wipe that stuff off.

Well, if you already have a cooler replacement, just lift the two levers on the sides of the HSF to the opposite side (some force maybe necessary), and then lift the unit off of your CPU. Your new unit should come with installation directions, just follow those.

As for thermal compound, if your CPU has a heat spreader, just put a dab of Arctic silver in the middle, and then install the heat sink. The pressure will spread the dab of compound into a thin layer between the heatsink and CPU heat spreader. If you CPU does not have a heat spreader, use something like plastic knife to spread a layer of thermal compount evely over the CPU die, and then install the HSF.

So, are you overclocking your Radeon?

Use Isopropyl alcohol swabs to get rid of the thermal grease (70% or higher is good). Get all of it off though