Additional thermal paste on a Arctic Freezer 7 Pro?

marcus.slee · 17 Mar 2011 at 13:41

Hi - I'm about to replace my E2180 for a Q6600.

I've had my Arctic Freezer 7 Pro installed with the E2180 for about 2-3 months already. I know that the Arctic comes with thermal paste included - do i need to apply some more now I'm swapping the processor or will it still be ok?

thanks

kristmace · 17 Mar 2011 at 13:44

I'd probably give it a dab, but it depends on how much there is still on it when you take it off. Just remember that it only needs to be a tiny layer.

Blue160 · 17 Mar 2011 at 14:15

Remove the old paste completely and apply fresh for your new CPU. You'll get air bubbles at the least reusing the old paste, which will not do good things to your temperatures.

marcus.slee · 17 Mar 2011 at 14:30

even if the original paste looks fine?

could I just install as is, then monitor temps and if they start getting high think about using additional paste?

Realise I'm being lazy here - but have no paste/alcohol nor the inclination to start messing around if I can just stick it in.

Blue160 · 17 Mar 2011 at 17:05

Just telling you what I do when I swap a CPU. I think it's the only way to ensure a good bond between CPU and cooler.

I definitely wouldn't put new paste over the old.

Zid_ · 17 Mar 2011 at 17:09

I wouldn't be comfortable sticking it on top of old paste either.

The heat will cause the paste to properly seal the bond between the two. Removing the heatsink will remove some of the paste, simply applying over the top would be a bad idea.

Got any lighter fluid? I always use that.

TWiNKLeT0Es · 17 Mar 2011 at 18:28

Removing the heatsink removes the seal and reapplying with the old paste you will not get a level spread of paste and as mentioned air pockets.

I would not advice using the old paste and clean the new CPU and heatsink if you have used the supplied paste already on the heatsink.

When reapplying to the Q6600 make sure you run a vertical line of paste.

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