thermal material on heatsink

sancho

Junior Member
Oct 17, 2002
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This might seem like a silly question to most of you, but this is my first time putting together a system an d I just don't know. Anyways, my question is: Is the black material that comes adhered on the bottom of the heatsink supplied with a P4 enough for a non-overclocked system, or should I also apply the paste that came supplied with my Soyo MB? If it makes a difference, it's a 2A GHz P4. Thanks:D
 

FlowerMan

Golden Member
Aug 19, 2001
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If you're not going to overclock your northwood, the black paraffin/aluminum thermal pad should be fine. However, you cannot use that pad again if you decide to remove the heatsink in the future. Once you break the bond of the initial installation, you must clean everything off (Goof Off and rubbing alcohol are great) and apply a thermal compound.
 

SuperPickle

Golden Member
Nov 1, 2001
1,256
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Yup, FlowerMan has it right. Thermal paste is recommended as it performs a bit better, but the pad will do just fine.

Welcome to Anandtech, BTW.
 

FlowerMan

Golden Member
Aug 19, 2001
1,324
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IMO, the pads are designed to make it easier for the inexperienced PC DIY'er to install. However, it makes it a pain in the ass for experienced users to remove the pads :)