Thermal Compound Question

[Xenon14]

Got all my componants, will start building tomorrow. The EPOX-8K7A mobo that I got says that I need to apply a thermal compound. I have a K7 1.33ghz that I will be using, and a Volcano II HSF. I will not be overclocking. Is the compound still needed? Thanks.

 

[3putt]

The pad on the bottom will work fine.

 

[raven82]

for me i did anyway, just because i had some silicon based laying around.

 

[Zepper]

I beilieve what Epox means is that you should have some sort of thermal filler on the heatsink, not just run it bare metal to metal as some did in the good old days. On principle, I always scrape off the thermal pads and use a good separate compound (on the theory that the thermal pads are idiot proofing, not optimal). I have found that lighter fluid easily removes what's left of the thermal pad after scraping (be careful when scraping, don't gouge the metal). Then follow the lighter fluid with some 90+% alcohol and your heatsink will be clean as a whistle and ready for the real thing!
.bh.

 

[flight23]

where is a good place to buy thermal paste cheap (and not get screwed by shipping)

 

[Jeff7]

Just in case you didn't think to (forgive me if you know this already): remove the slip of plastic that covers the thermal pad on the bottom. Failure to do so will result in the failure of the chip - sizzle...

 

[1967mustangman]

It is a good idea to use the grease. It just helps insure good cooling.
As for where you can get it you usually can get a very small amount at your local independant computer shop.

 

[Zepper]

Radio Shack sells a very small tube for $2.00. Good for quite a few applications.

 

[Brian48]

Actually, AMD recommends you DO NOT use the standard, silicone-zinc oxide paste that the industry has been using for years (like the Radio Shack stuff). The T-birds run extremely hot and the paste does not hold up over a long period of time. They recommend sticking with the "change-phase" material (thermal pad) that comes with the heatsink. This stuff can be identified by their bubble-gum like texture. They don't work as well as regular thermal paste, but they don't wear out either. They may appear thick, but it quickly melts and thins out with pressure and heat. All this is documented over at AMD's site and is available for reading, but you'll have to surf and find the right .pdf file.

Personally, I use silver grease, either from CircuitWorks or Artic Silver.

 

[Brian48]

Actually, AMD recommends you DO NOT use the standard, silicone-zinc oxide paste that the industry has been using for years (like the Radio Shack stuff). The T-birds run extremely hot and the paste does not hold up over a long period of time. They recommend sticking with the "change-phase" material (thermal pad) that comes with the heatsink. This stuff can be identified by their bubble-gum like texture. They don't work as well as regular thermal paste, but they don't wear out either. They may appear thick, but it quickly melts and thins out with pressure and heat. All this is documented over at AMD's site and is available for reading, but you'll have to surf and find the right .pdf file.

Personally, I use silver grease, either from CircuitWorks or Artic Silver.

 

[madthumbs]

I've heard that the Radio Shack stuff is crap and dries out. The stuff should be spread extremely thin anyway worked into the micro scratches on the surfaces.