Re-using an Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro

[MBrown]

I am going to be upgrading my CPU and want to know if I could re-use the thermal pad already on my HS/F or should I replace the thermal pad with artic silver.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: MBrown
I am going to be upgrading my CPU and want to know if I could re-use the thermal pad already on my HS/F or should I replace the thermal pad with artic silver.

thermal pad?

Narf?

thermal pads are usually only on South bridges, mosfets.

Thermal pads are almost never used on CPU. What we use is TIM, Thermal interface medium, usually a conposite of something oily.

And yes everytime you remove your sink from your cpu, ALWAYS REPLACE THE TIM.

Even if it was on for just a few seconds.

 

[SunnyD]

Clean CPU and base of cooler thoroughly removing old crap.

Tools needed:

Q-Tips, Cotton balls, Isopropyl Alcohol.

- Remove dried crap from both CPU and cooler with dry Q-Tip
- Dip Q-Tip in isopropyl, rub down CPU. Repeat with clean swabs until swab no longer comes dirty.
- Dip Q-Tip in isopropyl, rub down base of cooler. Repeat with clean swabs twice (will still likely be dirty).
- Dip cotton ball with isopropyl, rub down base of cooler with generous pressure. Alternate to dry cotton ball to dry clean. Repeat both steps until cotton balls no longer come up with residue.
- Do 1 last isopropyl-then-dry swab of both CPU and cooler base.
- Apply new thermal compound of choice according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Install CPU cooler.