real close call.... really close...

[WeiWei]

I was cleaning the hardware of my comp today and stupid me accidentally released the cpu fan, so the cpu was "plucked" out with it...

Didn't realize it... locked the cpu fan back... turned on my comp... nothing... surprised...

Meddled with the hardware... power supply.. nothing... I was panicking now..

To put the long story short, I had to pluck the Pentium 4 away from the stock heatsink which miraculously wasn't very hard, and installed it back...

so, my question is, will the grease still trasfer heat as effeciently as before ?

The grease was originally stuck to the heatsink and it still is....

 

[rcomo]

As far as I know (it is limited mind you) the thermal paste and the HS creates almost a seal that is compromised by taking the HS off. It creates little cracks that seriously compromise the ability of the paste to pass heat from your chip to the HS. I would get some Artic Silver 5 from Newegg and reapply the paste after taking the old paste off with some alcohol (80-100%) and a coffee filter. but before you do this, get an expert's opinion I am relatively new to the hardware portion but am learning. I would like to see if someone who knows better rate my analysis? And good luck btw.

 

[rcomo]

BUMP
Any input guys? Am I off base?

 

[NFactor]

You are correct, the compound is designed to go into microscopic holes in the heatsink and removing it can lessen performance.

 

[WeiWei]

The paste was originally applied on the heatsink when it came, so its like a layer on the heatsink, its the processor that doesn't have the paste applied... the original application was like a sticker sorta paste on the heatsink and after installing the processor, the heatsink was just pressed on it...

well, so far after monitoring it for a few hours, the temps are around 24 celcius, thats ok right ?

another question here, if I want to remove the processor next time, how do I do it ? Do I just unlock the heatsink and thus the processor comes out with it ? Is that the right way ?

 

[clicknext]

Originally posted by: WeiWei
The paste was originally applied on the heatsink when it came, so its like a layer on the heatsink, its the processor that doesn't have the paste applied... the original application was like a sticker sorta paste on the heatsink and after installing the processor, the heatsink was just pressed on it...

well, so far after monitoring it for a few hours, the temps are around 24 celcius, thats ok right ?

another question here, if I want to remove the processor next time, how do I do it ? Do I just unlock the heatsink and thus the processor comes out with it ? Is that the right way ?

Yes, 24 is ok.

 

[Abhi]

24 degrees is fine...

But when concerned with stuff like this... i rather be sure...
I would personally get some Arctic Silver and re install the processor.

It ll increase the thermal conductivity, which is a big plus, if you OC.

 

[RalfHutter]

Originally posted by: WeiWei
another question here, if I want to remove the processor next time, how do I do it ? Do I just unlock the heatsink and thus the processor comes out with it ? Is that the right way ?

There's two things you can do to help stop this from happening again:

1) Run your system under load for a while before you remove the heatsink. This will warm up the thermal compound and make it thinner and easier to work with.

2) Loosen the clamps on the heatsink and twist it back and forth in a circular motion a few times. This will help break the bond between the CPU and the heatsink.

The heatsink isn't supposed to pull the processor out of the socket but this does happen sometimes. As long as no pins get bent or pulled out of the CPU you shouldn't suffer any permanent damage, but there's no reason to push your luck either.

 

[Davegod]

if it is 100% stable, it's fine 24C isnt just fine, it's pretty bloody cold isnt it? sounds more like a (still rather chilly) chipset temp or even hard drive temp IMHO.

generally though it is best to replace "thermal interface material" if you reinstall a heatsink.

 

[Regs]

Yeah, you didn't lose any cooling performance from the transfer. You only need a tiny amount or a very thin layer anyway.

I replaced my motherboard a month back and never bothered replacing the thermal pad paste of the CPU. Stayed the same temp. Just as long as there is enough still on surface of the heat sink that would cover the entire area of the cpu.