Arctic silver - How important is it really??

cjayjay · 28 Jul 2006 at 09:40

Hey guys

Have to wait 1 more month or so before building my computer (Waiting for a conroe + Sli mobo to finnaly come out!) - Im spending about £2500 on it so it will have some nice gear inside, just wondering.......

I've been reading a lot recently of people using Arctic silver. My questions are this:

1) what does it do?
2) How much of a difference does it actually make?
3) How easy is it to apply?
4) Will it help me significantly if i intend to do a little overclocking?
5) if i apply it, will it void any of my componenets warranties?
6) Are there any major risks involved when applying it - i.e. Having learnt a little bit more about it, how easy would it be to mess up and risk damaging my componenets?

If any of you guys could try to answer any of these questions or supply me with any links or guides refferring to my questions, it would be very much appreciated!!

Oh yeah, and if it helps my new rig will have an E6700 conroe (Which i intend to overclock to 3Ghz), a 7950GX2, and one of the upcoming Conroe + sli boards.

Thanks in advance!!

Cjay

_PD_ · 28 Jul 2006 at 09:43

Erm.... I think it would void your warranty if you didn't apply it!

You don't need arctic silver, but you need some kind of thermal paste. Very easy to apply, and for the extra pennies it's worth getting good stuff.

Raikiri · 28 Jul 2006 at 09:46

1) Helps heat transfer between heatsinks and parts
2) Compared to none? A huge diference, compared to your average paste only 2-3c.
3) Small blob in the middle of the cpu, place heatsink on and use the pressure to spread it
4) Not hugely
5) Nope
6) Just don't put it all over the motherboard and you will be fine

Also, if you are only aiming for 3ghz I would get a 6600 and save £150, I have seen 6300s do 3.2 on air with the Gigabyte DS3 motherboard although I am unsure about the 7950GX2 working with the board.

cobxx · 28 Jul 2006 at 10:14

For the sake of a fiver, it's a must. It drops temps from crappy generic stuff by 5C or more in some cases. Lower temps = more oc headroom. It really isn't too hard, just read the instructions on www.arcticsilver.com and you'll be fine

daven1986 · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:36

i like ceramique - just personal preference

Messiah Khan · 28 Jul 2006 at 14:42

I agree with Raikiri on this one. If your only aiming for 3Ghz, don't go for the E6700, as your only wasting your money. Get a decent mobo and the 6300 or go for the safe option of the 6600.