Artic silver on used heatsink...

[mattg2k4]

I've used a stock heatsink with the thermal pad on my P4, but now I want to use some artic silver, since I picked some up for cheap. Artic silver recomends removing the pad before ever using the heatsink so it will not contaminate the heatsink. Well I've been running with the pad for months. Do I need to get a new heatsink to see any temperature improvement?

Thanks!

[figarowa]

well to use thermal paste or grease you do need to remove the thermal pad, be aware that the chipmakers do state that the warranty will be voided if thermal paste is used in lieu of the pad found on the heatsink, however personally, there are a few degree gains by using thermal paste instead of the pad, and choose to use the paste instead of the pad..

[TwoRails]

Hi mattg2k4,

Did you get a retail version of the CPU, meaning with the HS/fan in the box?

[mattg2k4]

Yes, it's a retail version. But I'm not worried about voiding the warranty.

[figarowa]

if you want better results, then using an aftermarket heatsink may obtain better results then the stock hsf setup you have and used in conjunction with artic silver will yield lower temps...hth

[Wrnchhead76]

From what the experts here say, the stock PIV HSF is a high quality unit, and does its job well. Unless you're going to do some serious overclocking, the retail HSF should do an excellent job, although the removal of the thermal pad and using AS3 will like has been said, reduce your temps a few degrees. One thing you might check while you have your HSF off, is that the plastic ring around the ZIF socket is still well retained, they are prone to come loose, and reduce the clamping force of the HSF.

[foghat46]

And as long as you clean off the pad completely using alcohol or similar, contamination will not be a problem. Be careful not to scratch the lapped surface of the heat sink.

[glc]

The pad is actually some black goop on a foil patch - and the foil is glued to the heatsink with 2 narrow adhesive strips. Just slip a toothpick under the foil, peel it off, and clean the adhesive off the heatsink with acetone. The surface is not lapped by any means, lapping it might help.

[mattg2k4]

That's good to know. Thanks for the info on this. I'll put on the AS tomorow when I get home and post the results.

[glc]

I usually get a 5C reduction in idle temps on a P4 by removing the pad and using AS.

[mattg2k4]

I've done the deed.

So far it does seem about 1-2 C cooler, but that's an estimate because ambient temps are a bit cooler as well. When it warms back up again, tomorow probably, I should get a better idea of how well it worked.

edit: post 555, woohoo! (the 555 timer IC is one of the more popular chips used in general electronics)

[Cricket]

Arctic Silver needs a few days to "break in" before you see the real drop in temps.

Cricket

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by Cricket Arctic Silver needs a few days to "break in" before you see the real drop in temps. Cricket

Now.. see.. that's one reason I'm not a big fan of AS and similar products. First, I've never seen a major drop in temps, and after a week or so, they have always climbed back up to where they were when the "pad" was installed, some times higher.

This happened when I put a Speeze on my old 1800+, for just one example. I lost a whopping 1°, and about a week later, it was 2°s higher!

Also, (don't quote me here, as I'm going from my poor memory) but my understanding is that is why AMD doesn't like it, too: because of the phenomenon of "squeeze out."

Just my $0.02


TwoRails

PS: and yes, I do keep AS on hand for when I have to pull HSs.

[glc]

I don't think AS is as prone to "squeeze out" as "ordinary" compounds.

On a related subject, has anyone worked with AS "Ceramique" yet?

[Northernwinds]

Yep I have GLC is there anything you wanna know about it?

[glc]

How does it compare to their silver stuff?

[Northernwinds]

The stuff is pretty sticky GLC, kinda sucks when u get it on your hands. I havent used AS III but by the looks of it the stuff doesnt look to sticky. Im pretty sure it lowered my temps about 4c. Umm it wasnt to bad to put on the processor though being a intel processor, im pretty sure it would go on a amd processor better.

I can't really say which is better AS III or the ceramique seening I havent used AS III but I will say overall it's pretty good. If I were to order more id prolly go with ceramique again.