Removing heatsink

[jzinckgra]

I bought an Infinity HS/fan combo to replace the stock intel fan and I wasn't sure how to pull the old one off. I assume the thermal pad junk is solidified to the cpu, especially when it is cold, but is it best to turn the puter off, while the chip is still warm and pull the HS off? I've never pulled a HS off, only put them on.
Also, just so I don't screw up, after I get the old one off, clean the top of the cpu with alcohol (I have access to 100% EtOH and 70%), place a gran-sized dribble of arctic 5 paste, evenly distribute the paste (what's the best way to do this?), then place new HS/fan on? Is this all right?
Thanks for the help.

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: jzinckgra
I bought an Infinity HS/fan combo to replace the stock intel fan and I wasn't sure how to pull the old one off. I assume the thermal pad junk is solidified to the cpu, especially when it is cold, but is it best to turn the puter off, while the chip is still warm and pull the HS off? I've never pulled a HS off, only put them on.
Also, just so I don't screw up, after I get the old one off, clean the top of the cpu with alcohol (I have access to 100% EtOH and 70%), place a gran-sized dribble of arctic 5 paste, evenly distribute the paste (what's the best way to do this?), then place new HS/fan on? Is this all right?
Thanks for the help.

You definitely want to remove the heatsink right after the machine has been running, to ensure that the thermal paste is warm and malleable. When removing the heatsink, gently twist it while slowly pulling it upward. It should come off quite easily.

The rest, is exactly as you thought. I would add that before you apply the thermal paste, practice installing your new heatsink. Once you're comfortable with the procedure, apply the thermal paste and do it for real.

-phil

 

[RandomUser]

You don't need to spread the AS5, just put it in the center of the CPU. The pressure of the heatsink will spread it out for you.

 

[Cheex]

I'm getting a new mobo so i will have to remove mine as well.
I currently use and will be (for now) resusing the stock Intel HSF (Its been working ok so far in spite of my doubts at the start).
I'm also going to buy a tube of Arctic Silver 5.
Any tips on my situation?

 

[phile]

Originally posted by: RandomUser
You don't need to spread the AS5, just put it in the center of the CPU. The pressure of the heatsink will spread it out for you.

This is bad advice. If the IHS is concave the paste will not be spread across the surface.

-phil

 

[Conky]

Originally posted by: phile

Originally posted by: RandomUser
You don't need to spread the AS5, just put it in the center of the CPU. The pressure of the heatsink will spread it out for you.

This is bad advice. If the IHS is concave the paste will not be spread across the surface.

-phil

I agree that this is bad advice.

I spread a very thin layer of paste on the heatsink using an old clean credit card and then test for contact with the cpu(put it on the cpu and then remove it and look at the heatsink and the "footprint" left by the cpu) and add/remove paste as needed, recheck, then bolt it down. You want to aim for full contact with the minimal amount of paste.

 

[jzinckgra]

thanks guys

 

[hennethannun]

assuming you have access to alcohol, and can use some extra paste, it is not a bad idea to put the paste on the heatspreader, install the heatsink without spreading the paste, then take it off and look to see if the paste spread out and is ensuring a good contact between heatspreader and heatsink. If it is, then you can clean everything off and reinstall. if it is not, you will know if your heatspreader is concave or convex or has any other irregularites, and can account for them when you install everything for real.

 

[Cheex]

great advice guys thanx
i will ask further question here if necessary

 

[Cheex]

What do i use to wipe off the thermal paste off the heatsink and cpu? cotton, paper towel, ????
Meaning what do i apply the alcohol to? (i have some 99.5%)

 

[Hiruko]

I just wiped mine with alcohol. Be sure that the CPU is still warm, because I ripped mine off with my heatsink once, not fun... bent a few pins, lol

 

[Cheex]

What did you put the alcohol on to wipe it off?

 

[Hiruko]

I used a Q-tip

 

[Cheex]

Ok thanks. I'll use that then.