Paste needed?

[need2know]

Just got my new amd cpu today and realized I don't know whether it's better to just install the stock heatsink as-is, or is it better to scrape off (or use rubbing alcohol?) that thermal patch thing and use my own paste?
(note: I only have paste, no arctic silver. So it's between the paste or leave it as-is).

[side question: is there a way to search these forums? Do you just use that generic Search box at the very top of the page? or is there a better way, that is JUST for the Forums?]

Thanks!

 

[Uther39]

Whats the CPU, and the best thing would be to buy one of these that comes with arctic silver 5 pre applied, and its cheap..

Arctic Cooling Freezer 13 CPU Cooler All Intel & AMD
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/arctic-cooling-freezer-13-cpu-cooler-intel-775-1155-1156-1366-amd-939-am2-am2plus-am3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186039

 

[adaman2576]

If you are not going to be overclocking you can just stick with the stock pad. If you decide to do some overclocking i would reccomend applying something like arctic silver.

You can use the main search menu at the top and then when the results come back click on forums in the content type.

 

[jaguarskx]

Without knowing what this mystery paste is, I would just stick with the thermal paste already on the heatsink.

Also, never ever scrap off thermal paste. That ends up leaving scratches on the heatsink's surface. Not a good thing to do.

 

[need2know]

Without knowing what this mystery paste is, I would just stick with the thermal paste already on the heatsink.

Also, never ever scrap off thermal paste. That ends up leaving scratches on the heatsink's surface. Not a good thing to do.

The thermal paste I have says on the tiny tube:
Silicone Heatsink Paste AK-100. What do you think, still stick with the pad?

I haven't decided whether I am going to oc yet, but let's assume I am.

But if I do then I am concerned with "permanent contamination" (see below)

from Arctic Silver's site:
"Thermal pad removal:  Most thermal pads are made with paraffin wax that melts once it gets hot.  As it melts, the wax fills the microscopic valleys in the heatsink and metal cap of the CPU.  To minimize permanent contamination of the heatsink and metal cap, the thermal pad should be  removed from the heatsink prior to turning on the computer."

So, is this a valid concern? or scare tactics to get people to buy Arctic Silver?
Thanks for your help!

 

[need2know]

Whats the CPU, and the best thing would be to buy one of these that comes with arctic silver 5 pre applied, and its cheap..

Arctic Cooling Freezer 13 CPU Cooler All Intel & AMD
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/arctic-cooling-freezer-13-cpu-cooler-intel-775-1155-1156-1366-amd-939-am2-am2plus-am3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186039

Thanks for your input but I have already gone over my budget...

 

[jsc]

So, is this a valid concern? or scare tactics to get people to buy Arctic Silver?

I wouldn't call it scare tactics as more of a reminder that you do not mix thermal compounds.

Although the idea of permanent contamination? :lol:

 

[beenthere]

Just use the TIM pad and you'll be fine. Silicone based TIM tends to ooze and can create issues down the road.

 

[need2know]

Best answer selected by need2know.