thermal grease abosolutely needed?

[Psychowu]

hey guys, i just got the barton 2500+ with a7n8x. imma cool it with the alpha 8045 i have on my existing 1.4tbird. i am wondering if thermal compound is absolutely necessary on my new 2500+. i ran out of thermal compound =(. there's probaly still some residue on the heatsink. thanks for the advice!

 

[slpaulson]

Just go to radio shack or best buy.

 

[WobbleWobble]

It is highly recommended. While you probably can get away without it, it's not a good idea. Solid surfaces can not be 100% smooth at the microscopic level. That creates little air bubbles that trap heat. The thermal pad/compound just fills in those gaps.

 

[Psychowu]

bah... ok, another trip.. haha, thanks guys!

 

[mechBgon]

The new Radio Shack thermal grease is really crummy, so try to find some Arctic Alumina or Arctic Silver. Thermal grease or another type of thermal-interface material is really important.

 

[Bassyhead]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
It is highly recommended. While you probably can get away without it, it's not a good idea. Solid surfaces can not be 100% smooth at the microscopic level. That creates little air bubbles that trap heat. The thermal pad/compound just fills in those gaps.

Exactly. Your CPU thermometer might not show it but there could be "hot spots" on the cpu where it is inadequately cooled and could case premature failure.