Thermal paste for AMD XP 1700+

[bem001]

I just got my AMD XP 1700+ (retail) and noticed there is a pink substance on the HSF. I assume that this replaces the thermal paste I was planning to use, correct? Just wanna make sure. There's no mention in the installation instructions of any thermal paste or tape. Thanks

 

[minendo]

it could be a thermal pad. can you remove it? if you can remove it, i recommend that you do and use artic silver II instead, but that is just my opinion

 

[Jerboy]

<< it could be a thermal pad. can you remove it? if you can remove it, i recommend that you do and use artic silver II instead, but that is just my opinion >>



Use regular thermal grease from RadioShack. I would avoid using the pre-applied thermal pad. Its easy to install but cleaning is a loyal PITA. This thing is three times stickier than chewed up gum and it gets all over the CPU core.


Use petroleum fluid such as kerosene, lighter fluid or gasoline(carefully) to remove it from heatsink. Apply a bit of one of those solvent, remove the majority of it with a piece of hard paper and wipe off the rest with cloth soaked with solvent.

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

bem001,

Welcome to Anandtech! What you're describing is thermal compound. It's great for beginners, because it's easy to use (just apply heatsink) and works well enough for those not overclocking. Here is a link that describes how to properly install your AMD HSF in detail.

Most people who build their own try to run their CPU's as cool as possible. Thermal compound is really not up to this task. A high quality thermal paste like Arctic Silver I or II can improve the transfer of heat from the CPU die to the heatsink. To apply thermal paste, remove the thermal compound chemically (with some caustic agent) or mechanically with a razor blade and some very fine grit (1000+) sandpaper. Apply a thin layer of AS to the die of the CPU only, then carefully mount your HSF. Use a flathead screwdriver for leverage when locking the HSF in place. Good luck!

 

[psykohog]

Be careful with a flat head screw driver. I would use a pencil with
a good eraser on the end that way there is less of a chance
in sliding off an damaging the mb. Good luck.

 

[Doh!]

ST4RCUTTER,

I think you've repetitively used the term, "thermal compound" to describe the "thermal pad" on the heatsink. But in fact, thermal compound can be both "thermal paste" or "thermal grease" but can never be a "thermal pad". For a comparison of various thermal compounds (which include the generic RadioShack grease, Artic-Silver, & etc.), just check here.

Don't get me wrong but I'm just trying clarify the definition for any newbies who may be confused about those words.

 

[ST4RCUTTER]

I think you've repetitively used the term, "thermal compound" to describe the "thermal pad" on the heatsink. But in fact, thermal compound can be both "thermal paste" or "thermal grease" but can never be a "thermal pad". --Doh!,

Did you read the AMD .pdf? It refers to the "thermal tape or pad" as you call it, as being phase change thermal compound. I've always described thermal tapes and pads as being a "compound" and the other less viscous products as being paste or grease. I imagine it's up to interpretation. I'm going with AMD on this one though...

 

[Rickr]

The pink thermal pad on the retail AMD HSF is fine. I'm using that now with my 1700 with no problems. I think it would be pretty tough to remove, so I would just stick with that. Make sure there is no peel off plastic on the pink pad (mine didn't have one).

 

[The Sauce]

<< thermal compound can be both "thermal paste" or "thermal grease" but can never be a "thermal pad". >>



Ok, let's not get hung up on symantics here. The little "pad," aka TIM (Thermal Interface Material), on the bottom of the heatsink should be removed immediately and replaced with real compound - if you are here on this forum asking then you should just do it. You'd understand why if you ever tried to remove the stuff after it had already "burned-in." It's a bloody nightmare...it sticks like rock-hard bubble gum to the cpu and heatsink. You literally need to scrape and sand it off. For system builders selling to nimwits who they don't expect (or want) to ever, ever take it apart or overclock, I guess its ok....although still inferior thermally.

If you are building today just go to radio shack and use that temporarily...then order some AS-II and replace it when it gets in. The Radio Shack stuff is terrible and over a short time it dries out and becomes cake under the cpu.

 

[MrThompson]

Kerosene or gasoline should not be used to remove the thermal pad. Kerosene in particular will leave a residue in the microscopic surface imperfections where the thermal compound should be. For more information read Thermal Interface Basics. Xylene (Goof Off) or acetone, followed by IPA is a better way to remove the thermal pad. A credit card makes a good scraper and it won?t damage the surfaces. If the pad has been used and gone through phase change, lapping is the only sure way to remove it.