Question(s) about old components in new computer

FrostyClive · Dec 7, 2015

I'm building a new computer (http://pcpartpicker.com/p/76RpCJ) and I am reusing my HDD and SSD and CPU cooler. I've read I need to reinstall of windows, but will that wipe my drives? Also, would the i5 6600 come with its own Thermal Paste? If so, should I use that, or buy another tube? I won't be overclocking.

As far as reusing the 212 evo, I need to get the old paste off, correct? I saw someone recommend using rubbing alcohol and a coffee filter...seems odd...but is this a good idea? Also, how much thermal paste is a good idea on a new CPU? When I built my current rig, I used a very small amount. When my GF built hers, she used the whole tube. I see no differences in performance between the two. What say you THW?

azaran · Dec 7, 2015

I'm assuming your SSD is your boot drive and the HDD is where you have all your personal data? You will need to reload Windows on the SSD, but that wont affect your data drive. Make sure you back up anything important from the SSD since it'll get wiped.

The i5-6600 will come with a heatsink that will have thermal compound already applied, but since you're reusing your 212 Evo that wont matter. You can get Arctic Silver 5 at like a radio shack if need be. But if you are going to order some, I'd recommend some Noctua NH-H1. Its better quality.

To clean the 212 Evo use some high proof rubbing alcohol (I use 91%) on whatever you use to clean it. A coffee filter is recommended because it isn't prone to leaving behind fibers like a cheap paper towel. A microfiber cloth would be best, but that'd likely wreck the cloth. Whatever you use, check if it leaves any fibers/paper/etc behind when you clean and blow it out with some compressed air to be sure.

As for how much compound to use, you sure dont want to use the whole tube. You want to use about a pea sized drop in the middle of the cpu. Here's a good article on the whole subject.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermal-paste-heat-sink-heat-spreader,3600.html

BrandonYoung · Dec 7, 2015

You may or maynot need to totally reinstall Windows, if you can't boot after the upgrade, I would recommend a reinstall (you may not have a choice on this). If you format your Windows partition, this won't affect drives other than the partition that Windows is installed on, so it would be safe to move anything you wish to keep onto other drives from your current Windows partition.

Yes, the i5 will come with thermal paste preinstalled on the heatsink provided with the CPU, this won't help you much if you plan on using your 212. Alcohol works good for removing the old thermal paste, personally I use toilet paper, or paper towels to wipe it clean, a disposable cloth would work well, just make sure there are no fibers left behind.

The goal of thermal paste is to use as little as possible to cover the CPU, some people recommend a strip "the size of a grain of rice" in the middle of the CPU and mount the heatsink and let the pressure spread it out. Personally I "paint" it on thinly as possible on the whole cpu surface, mount the heatsink, moosh it down, lift it back up and check for coverage, remove excess and if it looks good mount the heatsink from there. Using a whole tube is hugely overkill, after mounting it will get spread pretty thin in most cases, the excess just gets pushed outside and makes a mess around the CPU.

Darkbreeze · Dec 7, 2015

Isopropyl alcohol and coffee filter or lint free cloth, like those used in medical facilities or transmission shops = yes.

Having to reinstall depends largely on what hardware is changing and what the platform was on the old system. You can try the current OS (After backing up any important files first, just in case the OS goes tits up in the new build) and see if it works but usually it's a good idea to do a clean install on any new system, especially if going from an AMD chipset to an Intel chipset, or visa versa. If you're going from Intel to Intel, or AMD to AMD, there usually aren't any chipset driver related problems. Still, a clean install is better, but may not be strictly "essential".

Yes, you'll need to remove the old paste and the CPU will not come with paste. It will come with a thermal interface pad already applied to the included cooler, but if you'll be reusing your aftermarket cooler you'll want to also get paste if you don't still have any left from what came with your aftermarket cooler when you first got it.

As to how much to apply, this:

http://www.tomshardware.com/faq/id-2520482/solving-temperature-issues-hyper-212-evo.html

azaran · Dec 7, 2015

Would really recommend not doing the apply and check method, or "painting" over the whole chip. Its a great way to get air pockets in to the setup. The only time you really want to go with a painting method is if you're using one of those liquid metal systems that needs to be brushed on.

azaran · Dec 7, 2015

Real question on reinstalling is if you're using an OEM or retail copy. There are ways around reinstalling with sysprepping the system but if you're using an OEM license, it's technically attached to your old motherboard.

Darkbreeze · Dec 7, 2015

That would depend on the version. Even retail copies of Windows are "attached" to the motherboard, but with Windows 8 and 8.1 the activation can be reset to a new motherboard bios string via an activation phone call to MS. Windows 7 and 10 are a bit trickier.

azaran · Dec 7, 2015

Darkbreeze :

Just went through that process with Win7 last night on to a Z170 board. Microsoft has a fun little smart phone app that speeds the process along.

Oh and fun new thing with Windows 7 and intel 100 series boards, if you're installing with a usb mouse/keyboard you may run in to issues.
"Intel® N3000 Series SoC and 100 Series has removed their support for the Enhanced Host Controller Interface, so you might find it difficult to install your Windows 7 operating system since the USB ports won't work".

Use this utility to apply a patch to the Win7 install.
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/25476/Windows-7-USB-3-0-Creator-Utility

BrandonYoung · Dec 7, 2015

However you decide to apply your thermal paste, check your temperatures to ensure you have a good application. If you apply a pea sized blob in the dead center, and don't apply your heatsink directly flush with the CPU, your coverage will be quite poor. Monitoring your temperatures for all cores will be the dead give away if you have a decent application.

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Question(s) about old components in new computer

FrostyClive

Reputable

azaran

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BrandonYoung

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Darkbreeze

Retired Mod

azaran

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azaran

Splendid

Darkbreeze

Retired Mod

azaran

Splendid

BrandonYoung

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