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Thermal Pad or Ceramique?

S

slackwarelinux

Senior member
I am about to start building a shiny new AMD64 computer, and there is one thing left to decide..

Which should I use, Arctic Silver Ceramique or the stock Thermal Pad? (On stock HSF)

I really, really, really don't want to mess this computer up, so I am thinking the Thermal Pad is the safer option. However, it looks like Ceramique might the processor a few degrees cooler, making it run quieter.

I bought the Ceramique, but I am a bit scared of scratching off that thermal pad, and I am not sure if I am going to apply it over the thermal pad.

Anyways, one other question, how badly do you need to clean the HSF with chemicals after scraping off the thermal pad (with a plastic tool, of course)? I don't really like the idea of applying stuff to the processor, and I would rather just scrape off the pad and squirt on a dab of Ceramique.

Anyways.. I hope this post makes sense... I got the Ceramique because it is non-conductive, therefore safer, but now I am chickening out of that too.... Advice?


Edit:
Yes, I am crazy. I plan on running the 3000+ Venice at stock speeds and am not going to overclock, at all!
Keep that in mind... What I want here is for this system to be working in five years. From what I read, some thermal compounds might degrade and need to be re-applied after a few years, I don't want that. This computer will be going to somebody, and I will be going off to college in a few years and will be unable to provide tech support, so long term stablility is the number one issue here.
 
The stock AMD coolers come pre-applied with a Shin-etsu T.I.M., very good stuff, just leave it alone and protect your warranty since you plan to run stock speeds.
 
If you are going ot use the Ceramique, then just follow the instructions on Arctic's website.

Cleaning the heatsink of residual thermal pad is done with any number of solvents. I have a large bottle of acetone, so that's what I use.

You may want to use the thermal pad. It's already on the heatsink. It was intended for permanent installation. Just make sure you remove the plastic shield first and do not touch the pad before you install it.
 
Either are fine, but for your purposes, the stock TIM would likely be the more advantageous option (given the warranty).
 
Ok, Thanks.. I think I am going to go with the Thermal Pad, so I can keep the warranty.

Edit: Build went great! It is running at 27C idle, and it is uber-quiet!

Thanks again for all the help!
 
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