AMD 64-bit CPU Thermal Paste!

[Bernini]

Hi All

I've just bought a new AMD 3500+ 54-bit CPU which comes with its own HeatSink Fan. Now the Heatsink has a thermal pad on the bottom side. Should i use thermal paste too or not?

When i was browsing the AMD site it said not too but i'm not too sure and i wouldn't like to fry my CPU!!

Thanks
B

 

[Sival]

Don't use both. Either use the pad that came on the bottom of the heatsink, or scrape it off and use thermal paste. I myself prefer to gently scrape it off and use Arctic Silver.

 

[Bernini]

ok! thanks for the quick reply!

So if i want to use the Arctic silver paste...how much would i use and should i spread it or not?


Thanks once again

 

[Bernini]

and one more question...should the paste be applied on the cpu or the heatsink?

 

[paparazi]

Bernini
The heat spreader on an Athlon64 is much like that of an Intel P4.
The prefered technique is to "wet" the centre of the base of the heatsink (almost translucent application of paste to the contact area on the heatsink) then to apply the same to the heat spreader of the core but this time just enough so that the thickness amount visually just covers the core, then assemble.
Preparation is the key, do not mark! either the core or heatsink base with sharp implements but thoroughly clean all remnants of the old interface material.
Completely "pull down" the heatsink retaining mechanism for proper contact.
As a side note* the paste itself is not meant to act as a layer, rather, just to fill in the surface inperfections that occur between two mating surfaces, expelling the air and replacing the microscopic voids with paste, which naturally has a higher heat conductivity than the air that it is replacing.
Martin




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[franklin97355]

Use the thermal pad, it was designed for this application. Thermal paste is good if you need to replace the heatsink in the future but isn't needed at this time. Here's how to apply it.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm

 

[paparazi]

I ought to have said I agree with franklin97355, the original pad if fine in the first instance.
Martin

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[SkipCox]

I agree with using the thermal pad for the initial install. Remember, your 3 year warranty is at risk if you scrape that pad off.

Skip

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