question about thermal compounds

[dsj]

How do they work to make the cpu run cooler? By how much? What if I didn't apply them? How do I apply them? And how and when do they get used up?

 

[AquaLeviathan]

In order:
1. It fills in the gaps between the HSF and the cpu, allowing better heat transfer.
2. Depends on the the product.
3. Flames. Seriously though, you can severely damage the proc if it doesn't shutdown automatically.
4. Instructions are different for each product. Basically, spread a small amount on the core/heatspreader.
5. Don't quite understand. The tube runs out when you use it all..

 

[dsj]

For number 3, I never bought any thermal compound to wipe on my athlon xp and now it runs at 80 degrees on the desktop. Is that because of this? There are many people out there that don't put on additional thermal grease. And for number 5, how does the thermal grease get used up on the cpu? Do they evaporate?

 

[tw33ter]

if your cpu is running at 80 idle, assuming its c, then you need to definitely buy some and put it on

 

[dsj]

But doesn't the boxed cpu already come with some glue on it? And what are the spaces between the cpu and mohterboard? And Do most computer users buy additional heat pastes?

 

[AquaLeviathan]

Stock HSFs do come with sufficient amounts of thermal interface material (it's not glue).

Spaces between the CPU and the motherboard? HSF= heatsink + fan (the cooler on the CPU).

Assuming it is applied correctly, thermal interface material shouldn't really evaporate. I have heard of TIM drying out over ~4-5 years of heavy usage. And, no, buying new TIM like Arctic Silver isn't necessary if you do not plan to overclock.

 

[Lithan]

If you're running 80*C at idle you have a serious problem.

 

[dsj]

So if I don't overclock then I don't have to use the thermal grease and the cpu should still be cool right?

 

[dsj]

Should I buy some additional thermal compounds with my 3200+?

 

[SrGuapo]

How old is this system? Did it just start getting that hot? Have you tried cleaning out the heatsink?

 

[biostud]

Stock HSF come with a thermal pad that should suffice for normal use. It's pretty difficult to get off once it has been used AFAIK, but it's possible.
You don't use the thermal pad with thermal paste. You need to get all of the remains of thermal pad off, then apply thermal paste.

 

[exar333]

clean the old HSF and processor off....make usre u use isopropyl or a high-grain clear alcohol...then apply a thin paper-like layer of compound and see your temps drop!

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: dsj
So if I don't overclock then I don't have to use the thermal grease and the cpu should still be cool right?

You need to use a thermal pad or thermal compound no matter if you're oc'ing or not. Temps in the 80c will assure you of a short-lived cpu.

 

[dsj]

I have an athlon xp 3000+ with the asus a7n8x deluxe. And it's now very hot. this is the second rma replacement from asus as the first one overheated the previous cpu to 90 degrees.

 

[Capt Caveman]

It's not the motherboard that's overheating the cpu. Sounds more like an issue with how you are seating the hsf to the cpu. Get some thermal compound.

 

[dsj]

But it's supposed to already have a thermal pad. And the computer was cool for a month then it started to heat up. and the technician put the cpu onto another motherboard it was 42 degrees when playing games.