volcano 6cu & XP1800 problems! please help!

[compuser]

i have the following config:

asus a7v266-e mb
xp1800
volcano 6cu
2 thermal control enermax fans from newegg (80mm fans) for front bottom and back top of case

couple of problems: first, the black gunk on the bottom of the 6cu (which seems to be able to come off with a simple scraping off)... is this needed? the most annoying part is, TT's site doesn't show that gunk on the pictures of their coolers they post in the support section. i was concerned about this after i noticed that. second, i don't have a thermal paste right now... can i still run the system without having to worry about cpu getting too hot? is the black "pad" supposed to help in that cooling at all?

anyone have any ideas?

current cpu temps are running around 50c idle (just built the system so not yet stress tested.)

(room temp is around 60F)

any hints on this would be super! thanks guys.

 

[compuser]

anyone?!

 

[fastcarr]

The "black gunk" is nothing more than Thermaltakes version of heatsink compound. If you're using Artic Silver or other high quality TIM, then by all means scrape it off before use, both used together will definitely send your CPU temps skyrocketing.

Steve


Edit: Sorry didn't read your post thoroughly. Yes, you should use some kind of TIM (thermal interface material, aka heatsink compound). The "black gunk" is in my opinion too thick. If you can't get Artic Silver, run down to your local Radio Shack and pick up some "heatsink compound". It's only a couple bucks and works very well actually.

 

[Divebrake]

The black gunk is from a wax-based thermal pad. That stuff melts when you run the cpu, then hardens again when you turn off the computer. It sinks deep into the microscopic pores in the metal so you can't get it all off with scraping or solvents. Get some fine grade sandpaper and lap off the contaminated metal. Otherwise your new thermal compound won't work at full efficiency. The volcano6 has machining grooves on the base so lapping would be a good idea anyway.

 

[RGT168]

I have that volcano 6cu too. It is a good idea to scrape that stuff off and do the lap job on it. The 6cu will work better with the smooth surface and AS2 or 3 on it. Check newegg.com as they have the AS3 in stock now.

 

[cookdog]

AS3 is at SVC for 6.99 and free shipping, just bought mine. Do a search, there is a thread on it.

 

[compuser]

thanks for that update guys!

btw, what is a lap job? i guess some kind of metal smoothing/filing job?

so just scraping off and applying AS is not good enough huh?

also, what does SVC stand for? sorry, off lately i know nothing but newegg