Stock heat problems, AS5 the cure?

[Atty]

Well I'm worried about my processor temp. My E6600 is reading at 54c right now with only Firefox open and downloading a file. I'm not going to buy a after market cooler (at least not now, my pc kind of drained my wallet) but I have some AS5 and AS Cleaning solution... If I apply some AS5 to the stock heatsink will it improve temps?

If so any suggestions for cleaning it? I've got the AS Cleaner & Purifier and a huge box of Q-Tips.

 

[Bobthelost]

Not by much. Could be that you've got a warped IHS in which case AS5 would be a step backwards.

 

[Conky]

It should help a lot if you apply it correctly. The factory thermal stuff is crap. I scraped it off and used some Arctic Silver 3 (leftover from an old build) and my E6400 is running nice and cool with the factory heatsink/fan. The hottest I have been able to make it get is 50C under extreme load. Running my toughest apps and games it usually maxes out around 45-46C with it being slightly overclocked and idles around 35-39 depending on the ambient temp.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: iAtticus
I'm not going to buy a after market cooler...

I have some AS5 and AS Cleaning solution...

If I apply some AS5 to the stock heatsink will it improve temps?

Okay, this is my OPINION, so take it for what it's worth...

Personally, I don't think it will make much difference, as long as you applied the grease correctly the first time.

Secondly, the whole idea of grease is to compensate for microscopic surface defects. It won't do anything if the TIM isn't flat. As a matter of fact, it will act as a heat insulator. So, check and see if your cooler needs to be lapped.

Thirdly, I prefer Scythe MX-1 over AS5, for all sorts of reasons. However, any grease will work, as long as you apply it correctly. A lot of times, it just comes down to 'bragging rights'. So, if you use Radio Shack thermal grease, just don't tell anybody, and you'll be fine!

Speaking of which, I *think* 'AS Cleaner & Purifier' is just repackaged Goo Gone and iso alchohol (respectively). If you haven't opened them yet, I would return it and get a 59-cent can of paint thinner (mineral spirits) at Ace Hardware. That's what I use and it works great -- even recommended on the Arctic Cooling web site...

Source

If you do not have ArctiClean, use a xylene based cleaner, (Goof Off and some carburetor cleaners) acetone, mineral spirits, or high-purity isopropyl alcohol.