The hole in the P4 Heat Spreader, fill it in or not?

[Chu]

I remember this debate when the first P4's first came out, but I don't think I ever got a definitive answer. There is that hole in a P4's heat spreader. Is it better to fill this in with thermal compound (hopefully something non conductive, like artic alumina), or just let it be? I remember hearing numerous arguments from both sides . . . but not sure who "won" in the end.

-Chu

 

[AkumaBao]

Just use the compond like you would with any other CPU. You're not going to really lower your temps filling in a small hole. It could be a bad idea, but then again I haven't heard that issue come up.

 

[jiffylube1024]

Yeah just treat it like it's not there: spread compound over the surface but don't kill yourself to fill it up.