heatsink installation - first time

This is the first time and I am installing a processor and its a P4 2.4b Ghz. The processor is in and I am ready to put the heatsink on. I was prepared to open a packet of thermal compound and use it, but on the bottom of the heatsink is some kind of tarry black material. I am worried about going further. Should I go ahead and use thermal compound with the black material on there, or should I install the heatsink without it? The intructions that came with it seam to show the heat sink being install directly without any thermal compound. What should I do?

I found the link:
<A HREF="http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm" target="_new">http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm</A>

Also be careful that your screwdriver doesn't slip and scratch your board. Make sure the head of the screw driver fits the clip. Too big or too small and it might slip. Also you might want to place a towel or rag next to socket where you're hooking the clip. Just in case. Good luck.

To start press any key. Where's the "any" key? --Homer Simpson.

when you install the heatsink you might find it easier to get a socket and an extention out of a socket set and put it over where you would insert the screwdriver this way there is no chance of anything slipping off the catch and scratching the mobo

If you need to clean the CPU core use alcohol. You shouldn't have to clean it unless you get fingerprints on it or something.

For the heatsink I like to use brake cleaner. It's the only substance I know of that evaporates without leaving a residue.

To start press any key. Where's the "any" key? --Homer Simpson.

Im remember the first time I installed an Athlon XP heatsink I didnt realise how much pressure it took with the screwdriver to get it on. I crapped myself thinking I woulds crush the core or crack the mobo, but after it went on I was v.relieved.

It's probably just a few degrees, but if you have it use it! It's my opinion that anytime you can bring temps down a few degrees you do it especially with Athlons. Even if you're not overclocking, perhaps if you use a good thermal compound you could then use a quieter fan.

To start press any key. Where's the "any" key? --Homer Simpson.

"acetone" <--- Is Alcohol...

"Screwdriver/socket set" <---- PIV 2.4B (with black tar material ?) if this, and it sure sounds like it, is the reatail cooler please don't go anywhere near it with a screwdriver. Otherwise your more than likely gonna be very confused what to do with it.... In fact alot of PIV coolers are piss easy to attach and do not require screwdrivers.

Basically thermal compound other than the black tar material already in place is not necessary what-so-ever if you are not overclocking. I have even seen people attempt overclocking with the default pad to some sucess ! External thermal materials are more efficient (especially if its Artic Silver III) than what they normally provide so you will get better heat transfer... And yes you can swap at a later date, although it will be harder as the pad changes state when it gets hot for the first time.

<font color=blue>Its winter now... So how come my CPU temp is still </font color=blue><b><font color=red>55C</font color=red></b>

Have you cleared the CMOS ?
Which motherboard is it ?
Are Ram and graphics cards seated correctly ?
have you got all the power leads in the motherboard it requires ? Extra 12V supply for PIV's ?
CPU Heatsink Fan in the correct power socket on motherboard ?

Tim

<font color=blue>Its winter now... So how come my CPU temp is still </font color=blue><b><font color=red>55C</font color=red></b>

A screwdriver for a P4 heatsink installation? WTF!

<font color=blue>You're posting in a forum with class. It may be third class, but it's still class!</font color=blue>

screwdriver.....P4.....ROFL!!!!!

Ok, I've had my laugh for the day!!!! Thanx!!!



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The volcano 7 comes with a sachet of silica compound that you have to apply yourself... In this situation I would personally replace it with ASIII although I am not sure where you stand with warranties etc. Not personally bothered myself as I overclock and although difficult to prove I have voided my warranty in a number of other ways too.

And yes the PIV cooler + a screwdriver comment is quite amusing but not so unusual... AMD exclusive people would never have been near one so how would they know any different, I mean they probably think that there isn't an easier or safer method of attaching a heatsink ! <i> Well AMD is the best isn't it ?</i>

Tim

<font color=blue>Its winter now... So how come my CPU temp is still </font color=blue><b><font color=red>55C</font color=red></b>

Oh the Volcano 7+ only comes with thermal compound?

ok, when using the Compound..(first time) usually did the pads..

i just place alittle of the stuff on the CPU? and then install the HSF? and that's it?

Is THG Slightly Slacking??

i read that link above on the artic silver.. just alittle confused..

ok, i put a tiny bit on the cpu core? then spread it around untill the whole cpu core is covered with the compound?

then put some on the HSF, and rub it in .. in circle motions.. then wipe off the compound? now install the HSF?

I don't have artic Silver.. i just will have whatever comes with the Volcano 7+

Is THG Slightly Slacking??

My Appologies Akanyo!

1) Got your name wrong.
2) Posting is "Dangers of Silver Thermal Paste"

Nick G.

ok so on the AMD cpu.. just the black little square will be getting alittle dot... then spread it over the square's surface.. then install HSF..

ok i can't get any AS3... does a store like BEst buy sell it? because my dad went nutz that i already spend around 2100$ on the system, if i tell him i forgot to get one thing..lol ,... he will go nutz... so #1 does any local store sell it? or if i do use the one that comes with the Volcano7+ how bad can it be? i mean i aint overclocking....



Is THG Slightly Slacking??

Hurray! It seams the only thing wrong was I didn't plug in the 12V power connecter. The last board I installed had a thunderbird processor and it was different. So anyways... It posted just fine this time and I'm setting up Windows now. Thank you everyone; I appreciate your help.

I know its already too late, but you were supposed to leave that "black film" on your heatsink There is a reason your boxed processor didnt come with any thermal compound, its because you already had everything you needed to get going. The black film works just as good as thermal compound, hell mabye even better. My cpu runs at 38-40°C under load and 32-33°C under idle conditions. I used the black film that came with my boxed cpu just to give it a try and see if it was worth messing with, so far im very pleased and dont plan on replacing the black film.

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LOL Acetone is not bloody alcohol! ROFL

common alcohol, rubbing alcohol or methylated spirits is mostly Ethanol (CH3CH2OH), usually mixed with methanol (CH3OH) to make it undrinkable.

Acetone is NOT an alcohol. It belongs to the Ketone Group of compounds. Its formulae is CH3COCH3.

And to whoever reccomended steel wool, thats just silly. It will scratch your heatsink. (unless you plan on lapping it)

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