Thermal Grease: on just CPU or both it and HSF

[mooseAndSquirrel]

Two thermal grease questions:

I got a little tube with my Pal8045 and I have some ASII on order. Should I wait for the ASII, or is it not that big a deal? Hard to imagine that Alpha would pack something sub-standard.

Also, the ASII web site instructions say to put some grease on both the CPU core and the HS. But the Alpha instructions say just a thin layer on the CPU core. So, which is it.

And finally (ok, 3 questions ) - how should I apply this thin layer to the CPU core? Is it really safe to scrape it across with the back side of a razor blade. I'm a little skittish *scraping* anything across my core.

Thanks

 

[John]

Put some grease on the heatsink, then wipe it off. This will fill in the tiny holes. You may then apply a really thin layer of grease to your cpu core.

 

[PraetorChu]

i would wait for ASII. thermal grease are poor performers and have a tendency to dry up overtime. lowering performance even more.

i usually put a thin layer on the core. gently lower the hsf onto the cpu. take it off. see where the asII smudge is on heatsink....apply some more asII to that area. again thin layer.

i am skittish about scraping too. just add a little to the cpu. i used the plastic bag that held the pal8045 screws. used it like a finger glove. spread the asII around. just keep in mind you only need a thin layer. too much is counter productive.

 

[AgentZap]

the pal is really nicely machined so it isnt necessary to put the asII in there to fill in the gaps (when I did it I noticed no color change (after wiping) like the asII web site says there will be which leads me to believe that it is very very smooth). So basically my friend and I have similar setups. I put as2 on the hsf and he didn't and the temperatures are pretty much the same. Both he and I also smeared the as2 across the core with a razorblade and no probs. Just dont get it anywhere else besides the core.

 

[EdipisReks]

asII dries too. my idle temps jumped from 37 to 52 one day, and when i took off my mc370 the asII was dried out. i got some type44 ester based (which is made to not dry out) and my temps are back down again. the asII lasted about 1 month.

--jacob

 

[SyahM]

i used the edge of a credit card to apply Arctic Silver evenly on the CPu core.

 

[Toro 45]

Since you've already ordered it you might as well wait for the ASII(unless it's coming UPS)

If your not comfortable using a razor blade to apply it,another way is to put a baggy on your finger & carefully spread it on.The biggest mistake firstimers make is using to much thermal grease,use less than you think you'll need.

I've been using my finger to apply compound for years with no problems,I get better control of the application.The concern some have is, oils or dirt from your finger may contaminate the compound.You could clean your finger with iso alcahol first if your concerned.I just let my dog lick my finger before I start

Put a small amount on the cpu core first,gently work it to the corners of the core,then use whats left on your finger and dab it onto the center heatsink where it will meet the core.I usually use a light dabbing motion.Just use a light layer on the core & a slightly lighter layer for the H/S

Good luck,Toro

 

[jamarno]

<< thermal grease are poor performers and have a tendency to dry up overtime. lowering performance even more. >>



I've been waiting about 25 years for DC4, DC22, and Radio Shack grease to dry up, but they haven't.