XP-90C mounting and paste applying tips.

[srygonic]

I'm getting a XP-90C with a 92mm panflo fan. Should I buy some thermal paste to go along with it? If yes what is the best one to go along and which shop can I get it in Sim Lim?

Is there any proper way I should mount the XP-90C? I know you just need 2 grains of rice worth of thermal paste.

And should the fan be blowing away or towards the heatsink? I have a vent in my casing (Antec Sonata II) leading from the CPU out to the back...

 

[imported_Kensai]

You only need 1/2 a BB of AS5..

 

[RichUK]

1. This is a link to Arctic Silvers website, for work instruction on how to apply the paste to the CPU IHS (Integrated heat Spreader).

2. There is only two ways you can physically mount the XP 90c, and depending on the layout of your mobo will dictate the best position you install it . You preferably want the over hanging fins to go over you RAM, so that you can cool them down at the same time.

3. Usually people have better results by having the fan blowing down on the CPU (couple of degrees if you are very lucky). I would test both ways to see which benefits your system the most (performance wise), also if the fan is blowing down on the CPU - more dust gets between the grills which results in over time, bad thermal characteristics (you just need to get a hoover to clean it, I takes seconds , .. if you have the fan sucking (no pun intended), you will find that dust gets blown all around the case, which means it settles on other components. lol as if any of that matters, just test both ways

4. And yes Arctic Silver 5, is the best, this will nicely complement your XP 90c

 

[srygonic]

Thanks for the quick replies..

What's BB btw?

Also, what do I use to remove my old heatsink and clean the leftover thermal paste?

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: srygonic
Thanks for the quick replies..

What's BB btw?

Also, what do I use to remove my old heatsink and clean the leftover thermal paste?

BB (Ball Bearing) .. means BB sized blob of AS5 in the middle of the IHS (check out the official AS instructions )

To remove the old thermal pad, use Isopropyl Alcohol, 70% alcohol content and above, this will clean the thermal pad - paste .. without left over residue so that not to impede the thermal transfer

 

[srygonic]

Do they include this alchol with the AS5 or is it sold seperately?

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: srygonic
Do they include this alchol with the AS5 or is it sold seperately?

separately .. its just rubbing alcohol, like ethanol, white spirit, brake cleaner etc ..

just buy at a local hard ware store or the like?

 

[srygonic]

Ok thanks a ton. I'll note the name down. One more thing... Should I take out the CPU chip to clean it or should i leave it inside?

 

[RichUK]

Originally posted by: srygonic
Ok thanks a ton. I'll note the name down. One more thing... Should I take out the CPU chip to clean it or should i leave it inside?

i would personally take it out, as it would be easier, but either way is fine (what ever is easiest for you), but make sure when re-installing the CPU, nothing is on the pins, and it is dry

Good luck :thumbsup:

 

[fireontheway]

[I by Arctic Silver for the thermal paste.

 

[fireontheway]

Wow, talk about bad link and i can't even edit my own post.

Ceramique by Arctic Silver.

 

[bdww00]

how hard is it to put on a thin layer of as5? DArn!

 

[JD50]

I think you can use goo gone to clean the thermal pad as well, at least thats what the AS5 website says.