Re-use HSF ?

[quentinterintino]

Hey guys (and girls),

Let me preface this query by stating that I did a search for this topic and came up null.
I have an old P4 1.7 that I want to overclock (yes I know pentiums run hot) but I am planning on eventually replacing the mobo/processor anyway. I want to buy a nice HSF that I can use to overclock the P4 but I was wondering if I could use the same one when I replace the processor with a nice AMD 64 bit one.

My doubts come from the fact that I used thermal grease on the HS. The thermal grease fills the asperities in the HS to provide a nice mating surface between the die and the HS. When I remove the HS to put in the new processor, I'm hoping that I can just apply more grease. But I am also worried about some of the old grease staying on the old processor. I wouldn't even think about trying to sand off the old grease since the HS has such a nice surface finish and is machined so nicely.

What do you guys think, replace the HS when I get the new processor or use it twice ?

TIA

-Chris

 

[WhiteKnight]

I've reused heatsinks before and I've never had a problem. I just clean it before putting AS on the new processor.

 

[quentinterintino]

Cool - thanks for the reply...


What do you recommend cleaning it with ?

 

[WhiteKnight]

I use 99% pure isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.

 

[quentinterintino]

Sounds good, thanks a lot for the help.

 

[WhiteKnight]

No problem. Good luck!

 

[Zap]

As WhiteKnight said, reusing is not a problem. I'd just like to add in a bit more, restating the obvious (just in case). You'll need to buy a heatsink that works with both socket 478 and socket 754/939 (whichever you plan to get). Also, your existing P4 needs to be socket 478. You didn't mention which you had. Those 1.7GHz P4 chips were made in both socket 478 and socket 423.