This might be a dumb question but (CPU Question)

[dregs]

I just got my P4 2.53 Chip. I dont plan on overclocking it. Im using the heat sink and fan from the intel box. Do I have to use thermal grease between the chip and sink? Or is the way it is out of the box ok? Sorry if this is a real dumb question.

 

[ScottMac]

If you bought a "retail" package (CPU and Heatsink in the same box from Intel), The heatsink will have a patch of thermal compound already on it.

Intel feels that is sufficient (and it probably is).

Good Luck

Scott

 

[butch84]

While it probably is sufficient, most people around here would go farther to really get all the cooling potential out of that heatsink. I have a 2.53 as well, and i pulled off that thermal pad (just lightly get under it with a knife, its only stuck at the very edges, and pull it off) then apply some decent thermal paste like arctic silver. Now, im just using radio shack thermal paste, but im lazy. Either way, im sure you will be fine.

Cheers!
butch

 

[lenjack]

If you're not overclocking, don't bother to remove the heatsink foil. It works extremely well. The Intel heatsink-fan design is excellent. It will easily stand up to light overclocking. For your purposes, use it just the way it came.

In no way is this a dumb question.

 

[McCarthy]

Nope, it's a great question. Too many people wait till after they create smoke and sparks to ask

While there's some debate, and much of it heated, as to which is better - the pad or expensive paste, I've come to the conclusion with the retail sink the pad is better. Not only is it foolproof (unless it's damaged, don't go licking it or picking at it), but it's an excellent thermal interface.

Goes back to the heatspreader design, pressure per square unit, heatsink preparation, lot of factors. In the end what it comes down to is with the retail sink it's hard to beat, and paste, even high quality, can actually give less favorable results.

 

[dregs]

So no paste is envolved? Just put the sink on the chip and done?

 

[Luagsch]

well maybe there is a little plastic foil over the pad, to protect it. would be better to take that off. else, just put the cooler on.