The Ultimate AS3 Guide!

[NokiaDude]

Over my past experiences with AS3 and other thermal compounds, I have learned the secret to achieving optimal temps. The secret is to apply just a paper thin application to the core. No more no less. If you can't see the color of the core, you've put too much. The reason there has to be a paper thin application because AS3 and other thermal compounds fill in the microscopic valleys and pits. It does not take alot of compound to fill them all in. The rest of the compound if not filled in a pit actually hurts the effectiveness of the heat transfer. Now I might not be a guru yet on AS3 but I'm still learning. If you have your say on how to apply AS3 leave a post! Comments are appreciated.

 

[BG4533]

How do you suggest going about getting a paper thin layer of artic silver? I have usually just gone about smoothing it with the tip, but now that I am getting into more serious OCing I was going to try to smooth it with a thick piece of paper or something. I presume more or less is needed depending on how smooth or rough the bottom of the heatsink is. I have a few heatsinks from a few years ago that a paper thin layer of Artic Silver would do nothing for, these more likely need lapping though. Also, a note to everyone. For optimal results, Artic Silver should be reapplied each time the heatsink is removed and supposedly Artic Silver looses its transfer abilities slowly over time.

Brian

 

[Budman]

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

 

[dpm]

Originally posted by: BG4533
How do you suggest going about getting a paper thin layer of artic silver? I have usually just gone about smoothing it with the tip, but now that I am getting into more serious OCing I was going to try to smooth it with a thick piece of paper or something. I presume more or less is needed depending on how smooth or rough the bottom of the heatsink is. I have a few heatsinks from a few years ago that a paper thin layer of Artic Silver would do nothing for, these more likely need lapping though. Also, a note to everyone. For optimal results, Artic Silver should be reapplied each time the heatsink is removed and supposedly Artic Silver looses its transfer abilities slowly over time. Brian

The instructions on the AS site are great. As they say, to get an even paper thin layer, simply use a (clean) credit card to smooth it over. Put on less than you think you have to at first, and then add a little bit more if you need it - easier than trying to remove excess without getting it everywhere! Works perfectly and is very easy.

Note - if you use a credit card, don't be an idiot like me and try to clean it afterwards using isopropyl - I almost lost the entire signature strip.

 

[HiTek21]

I found that using an old credit card or some kind of vons club card works nicely when applying artic silver. Just so long as the edge of your credit card isn't all chewed up and jagged.

 

[Ness]

It also helps to reduce spending when you leave the credit card sitting on your desk because it has crap all over it

 

[amcdonald]

I use a plastic baggie to rub on a thin layer.
One of the important things to consider is how fine the lapping (smoothness due to sanding/machining) is on the heatsink.
That site says that the quality of the lapping is directly related to the amount of AS needed. The smoother the heatsink, the less paste needed to fill in irregularities.

 

[Blooz1]

I use a single edged razor blade.....much better than a credit card!

 

[huesmann]

Well, you're supposed to rub paste on the heatsink separately from the CPU core. That should fill any crevices.

 

[WarCon]

Originally posted by: huesmann
Well, you're supposed to rub paste on the heatsink separately from the CPU core. That should fill any crevices.

But gently wipe it off the heatsink(just need to fill the microscopic valleys), only need one air gap filling layer. Two is too much.

 

[huesmann]

Right, that's what the AS3 instructions say.

 

[HiTek21]

Originally posted by: Blooz1
I use a single edged razor blade.....much better than a credit card!

I will never use a razor blade for Applying artic silver... My brother used one to put some on his heatsink and it fell off the table on the floor, I didn't see it and I stepped on it. Cut 1/8" into my foot and I have a layer of artic silver in my foot.

 

[sodcha0s]

I also use the plastic baggie method. First I rub it into the HS and remove excees, if any. Then put a very small dot of it on the chip, and smooth it over with my index finger through the baggie until nice and even. I suggest turning the baggie inside out to prevent any contamination of the AS.

 

[huesmann]

How do you cut your foot on a credit card?

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: huesmann
How do you cut your foot on a credit card?

He stepped on a razor blade.