Arctic Silver

Realist · 29 Dec 2007 at 19:14

Question:

Used Arctic Silver and their instructions (line method) but could I now remove the cooler and wipe off the excess from the cooler and stick it back. I presume this would use less paist and provide a better contact between the cooler and CPU.

Temps at 3200 are:

idle: 42 ish
Load: 60 ish

Would the above help in reducing the temps more or make things worse?

Regards.

schumi84 · 29 Dec 2007 at 19:30

If you removed the HSF and didnt reapply the arctic silver you may end up with higher temperatures as the 'seal' would have been broken between the CPU and HSF.

Your best bet would be to measure (roughly) how much u apply first time, apply the HSF and use for a short time to bed in, then remove to see if there is too much/too little and then you can gauge whether to reapply more/less.

Is always best to once the HSF has been removed to wipe both surfaces clean (using Isopropyl Alcohol or similar) and reapply the paste.

Typhoon · 29 Dec 2007 at 19:41

If you put too much on the first time around, you may find it better to remove and wipe off the heat sink base. I find using a needle and syringe is the only way I can get just the right amount in a line as per the AS instructions. No matter how gentle I am using the stock tube and plunger ends up with too thick a line by far. Alternative is to spread with a blade or credit card.

Realist · 29 Dec 2007 at 19:45

Thats my problem with the tube, its not a thin line but say 1mm wide, well wider than the instructions example anyway.

Im trying to get the temps down using air and not if possible go the water route.

Regards.

Realist · 29 Dec 2007 at 19:48

I use this to clean all my CPU's

Isopropanol for technical cleaning use by technicians; 99.7% pure Isopropanol; Leaves no residue; Ideal for cleaning magnetic read/write heads, edge connectors when reseating PC boards, etc.

Works well with a lint free cloth.