thermal paste

[hcetri]

I am replacing my motherboard. When I remove the processor should I reapply the thermal paste or just use what is already on it. It is an AMD with a AM2 socket.

 

[evongugg]

Clean the old paste off with Acetone/Rubbing alcohol and reapply it.

 

[outlw6669]

Yes, you must clean the CPU and heatsink and reapply new thermal paste.

 

[Onus]

^+1

 

[hcetri]

Can a silicon base paste be used.

 

[IH8U]

I don't recommend it. AS5 is cheap, and Arctic Silver Ceramique costs just slightly more. (about $5 per tube)

 

[bobwya]

You want to invest in some Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Paste (or similar). You only need a small pea shaped amount for a CPU so you will more applications out of a single tube - it's an investment!! Spread the paste very thinly with clingfilm or vinyl gloves - no greasy fingerprints please!! - after cleaning the CPU heatspreader and heatsink with 99% isopropanyal alcohol, Arctic/Askasa TIM cleaner, etc., etc.

If you don't have a decent thermal contact between the CPU and the heatsink... The heatsink will feel cool(ish) to the touch and the CPU will literally fry underneath with nice insulating layer of gloop/air (or whatever crap you have put on) above it!!

Bob

 

[evongugg]

If you use arctic silver follow these directions for AMD processors:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/ins_route_step2amdas5.html

 

[evongugg]

These for arctic ceramique on an AMD processor:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/ins_route_step2amdcmq.html

 

[cyber_jockey]

Ok whats the top most expensive thermal paste on the market ? Another question I have Antec silver thermal compound how much better is it in terms of temperature better then mine.