Newbie - applying Arctic Silver MX-3 on Corsair H50

OCChew

OCChew

OCChew

Associate
Joined
19 Jun 2010
Posts
131
Hi Folks,

Could you confirm if I am applying the Arctic Silver MX-3 correctly on the Corsair H50 please as I have never done it before so need to be absolutely sure before I start.

I have the followings:

a) Arctic Cooling MX-3 Thermal Compound.
b) ArctiClean Thermal Material Remover and Surface Purifier.
c) Some cloth ... kitchen paper towel.
d) Corsair-H50 water block.
e) Intel i5 CPU.

This will be the steps:

1) Clean the stock H50 water block using ArticClean Thermal Material Remover by wetting the kitchen paper towel with Thermal Material Remover then wipe the water block clean. (H50 water block comes with stock thermal paste)

2) Then clean it again with Surface Purifier onto the kitchen paper towel then onto the water block. Wipe it clean.

3) Inject pea / line size Arctic Silver MX-3 onto the metal surface of the CPU.

4) Attach fully the water block to the CPU making sure that it is tighten accordingly so pea / line side AS MX-3 spread evenly without bubbles.

Question:

5) Do I only apply the AS MX-3 to the CPU metal surface only?

6) Or do I apply AS MX-3 to both the H50 water block and CPU?

7) Or do I apply AS MX-3 to the H50 water block but not the CPU?

8) Which method is more suitable when applying AS MX-3, pea or line?

9) Do I need to clean the CPU with Surface Purifier as well?

Cheers

:)
 
Clean all areas that have paste on them. Personally I put a few drops on the surface and let it sit there for about 30 secs, then wipe inwards to prevent pushing it over the top.

As for the application method, it's a hotly debated topic. Personally I go for the pea and let the pressure bring it down just for simplicity. I only apply it to the cpu as it's stationary.

Hope that helps somewhat. ;)
 
OCChew said:
Hi Folks,



Question:

5) Do I only apply the AS MX-3 to the CPU metal surface only?

Yes

6) Or do I apply AS MX-3 to both the H50 water block and CPU?

I don't.

7) Or do I apply AS MX-3 to the H50 water block but not the CPU?

No.

8) Which method is more suitable when applying AS MX-3, pea or line?

I used the same method as recommended for MX-2

http://www.arctic-cooling.com/catalog/images/install_mx2_retail.pdf

9) Do I need to clean the CPU with Surface Purifier as well?

Wont hurt :)

Cheers

:)
Click to expand...

Answered the questions in red how I do mine :)
 
Thanks chaps for the advice.

I will follow your advice accordingly by:

1) applying few drops to surface that need cleaning for 30 secs then wipe clean etc.
2) applying the pea size technique but perhaps with slightly oval pea shape & the Arctic-Cooling instruction.
3) applying MX-3 to CPU only.
4) Will clean the CPU if required.

So time to put that into practice.

Cheers
 
To be honest if you use an accurate "pea size" amount you will be applying far too much. I suggest you aim for something of the size of a grain of uncooked long-grain rice - you really don't need much to do a good job (in fact less is more in the thermal paste world).
 
cmndr_andi said:
To be honest if you use an accurate "pea size" amount you will be applying far too much. I suggest you aim for something of the size of a grain of uncooked long-grain rice - you really don't need much to do a good job (in fact less is more in the thermal paste world).
Click to expand...

I have been reading on the amount to apply so yes the size of the uncooked long-grain rice should suffice according to many.

:D
 
Helios1234 said:
Actually stick with the stock thermal paste. It's very good!
Click to expand...

Yes, apparently the stock thermal paste is top grade stuff but since I have never used Arctic Silver before and had heard good things about them I thought I would it a try just to put my curiosity to rest, obviously by applying all the proper techniques.

:D
 
Nobody corrected him on the arctic SILVER part? Arctic Cooling make the MX series, Arctic Silver also make TIM but not the same brand.

Easy mistake to make though :)
 
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