'Idiot-proof' thermal paste?

Berserker

Berserker

Berserker

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I need to replace the heatsink in an OEM system because the processor is running hot. While I'm happy to replace most components in a PC, heatsinks aren't on that list. Due to my poor eyesight I rely a lot on touch which obviously isn't an option here.

So I need something that's simple to deal with and won't matter if I get the quantity a bit wrong (within reason). I do know one side of a CPU from the other (yes, I'm referring to that photo on Facebook ;)) - it's just that I'm not at all confident about applying the paste, or getting the replacement heatsink on straight afterwards.

Any suggestions? Thanks!
 
I presume from your post count you know what you are doing and your eyes are really really bad?

I don't see what there is to go wrong mate? put far too much on, some will squeeze out the sides when you clamp it down, maybe it wont be as good as if you used the exact right amount, but its not going to make a massive difference...

EDIT - reading again, we are not talking cpu heatsink? what heatsink is it? thermal tape works well for smaller things.
 
It could be tricky depending what heatsink you have exactly. Some can be a REAL pain to fix, lining up the screws carefully etc., which poor eyesight certainly won't help with. One possible solution, although you may not want to go THIS far, is to buy a heatsink or AIO with the thermal paste pre-applied. I know the Corsair and NZXT AIOs feature this, not sure about any others. Not exactly a cheap option, but it's as foolproof as it gets. As suggested though, if you're going to apply the paste yourself, you definitely need to get a non-conductive one such as Arctic Cooling MX-4... at least then if any does get in places it shouldn't, it won't cause any problems. Just don't shoot it all over your motherboard lol. ;)
 
Berserker said:
I need to replace the heatsink in an OEM system because the processor is running hot. While I'm happy to replace most components in a PC, heatsinks aren't on that list. Due to my poor eyesight I rely a lot on touch which obviously isn't an option here.

So I need something that's simple to deal with and won't matter if I get the quantity a bit wrong (within reason). I do know one side of a CPU from the other (yes, I'm referring to that photo on Facebook ;)) - it's just that I'm not at all confident about applying the paste, or getting the replacement heatsink on straight afterwards.

Any suggestions? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey bud,

with it being a OEM system im inclined to think that it's a intel/amd stock cooler? I can't comment on a AMD stock cooler as i have not had experience with them for about 6 years + but if it's an intel system you pretty much can't go wrong re applying the heatsink pal as long as the four clips are locked back into the motherboard right it can't be wrong. (within reason unless you plan on using a hammer to install it, that would be terrible).

YOUR BASKET
1 x Gelid Solutions GC-3 10g Extreme Performance Thermal Compound £19.99
Total : £25.97 (includes shipping : £4.98).



This is about the best bet. It's none conductive / corrosive and has just about the best performance for any thermal interface material and it with it being in a tub instead of a tube and comes with a small application spatula i find it easier to use and apply. The only thing that will realistically outperform this paste is coolaboratorys liquid metal, HOWEVER that is awful to apply even for anyone with good eye sight. It's a nightmare and it's conductive so it's out of question :). Don't forget you will need some TIM cleaner or isopropyl alcohol (99% preferably) and a microfiber cloth ( just added this although im sure you already know )

Stulid did a outstanding job making a thermal paste round up you should take a look ive linked it below :).

Stulids thermal paste round up

Cheers

Harry
 
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Rather than applying the paste to the cpu lid, apply it to the cooler. Much easier to clean it off there and you can also handle it at much easier/closer angles to suit your eye sight.
 
Any non conductive paste should do, use the blob method and it shouldn't matter if you put too much on as any excess will get pushed out of the sides (it could be a bit messy though).

If your vision is that bad I'd go along with Resistance's suggestion and just ask a family member to put a pea sized blob directly in the middle.
 
Thanks for your help so far.

It's not a stock CPU heatsink and I wouldn't use a stock CPU cooler even if you paid me. I'm shocked that anyone on this form would even suggest such a thing! :p

I've already got the correct heatsink and yes, the 'apply to heatsink' approach might work, but I think I'd prefer to apply to the CPU if I can, as I'll be more confident of a good application that way.

Non-conductive and 'blob method' is absolutely the right way to go for me. I did read Stulid's excellent round-up, but there's so many options and I don't claim to understand a lot of the technical details. :confused:

I've done this once before and that turned out reasonably OK (though not perfect), but that was more luck than skill. I'd like to do it right which is why I'm turning to you for your experience. :)
 
MX4 looks about mid-pack from Stulid's charts. Product description seems promising, but unfortunately it's out of stock here.
 
Berserker said:
I've already got the correct heatsink and yes, the 'apply to heatsink' approach might work, but I think I'd prefer to apply to the CPU if I can, as I'll be more confident of a good application that way.
Click to expand...

Did you buy this new? If so it most likely has pre applied paste on it already, this is what someone was talking about, if you were going to get a new heatsink.

If second hand, ignore me :) .
 
All you need to remember is just the middle of the chip and heatsink need to make contact so literally a grain of rice size bang smack in the middle and let the heatsink spread it.Any non conductive paste will be idiot proof.
 
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