Using Arctic Silver for the first time

[barlav]

I will be using Arctic Silver for the first time on my AMD 1Ghz T-bird tomorrow. I've never done this so I'm not exactly sure how it's done. Do I put it only on the core of the CPU where the writing is? Do I spread a thin layer or make it relatively thick? After I mount the heatsink to the CPU should I unmount it and check it? And, if so, what do I look for to make sure that it's being used optimally? Thanks for the help

 

[Mikewarrior2]

I would say middle-thickness level. Not too thin, but definately not too thick.

What heatsink you will be using will also figure into how much you should use... so which heatsink are you gonna be using?


Mike

 

[Dexion]

I've been using Artic Silver for a while now and I can't stop praising it. Its an amazing product.

Spread a thin layer, enough to cover the letters on the core, but little enought that it doesn't leave streaks or blobs. Using a credit card or a ruler would work very well spreading the compound. Apply it on both the Heatsink and the CPU. When you mount it the heatsink, CAREFULLY swish it around(to remove air and improve contact) the core before you immobilize it with the heatsink clip. Do not unmount the heatsink after, and you don't need to take a peek at it.

 

[barlav]

Thanks for the great help. I will be using the GlobalWin FOP32-1.

 

[kengsim]

Many people do not know what the thermal goo is for. If you look at the surface of the heatsink and CPU (the chip that's sticking out), you may think that it's flat, but under a microscope, there's millions of hills and valleys. The problem with these valleys is that they do not make contact and therefore traps air. Air isn't a very good thermal conductor. Therefore, the thermal goo is used to fill these valleys and get rid of these gaps. You should use as thin a layer of Artic Silver or whatever, and not put so much that the CPU is actually floating on a layer of the substance. If you want to know if you're putting too much, remove the heatsink after applying and look for the extra goo that's pressed out at the sides. Stuff that's pressed out is wasted, so try to put less next time. As a guide, use about 4-5 times the white stuff that you press out of your pimples on your forehead. I'm talking about the average pimple, and not the volcanic ones.

 

[GaryTcs]

Can this puss be used in a "pinch"?

 

[dennilfloss]

Official instructions form Arctic Silver.