Not using thermal paste?

NotAGolf · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:05

Do you have to use thermal paste on your cpu? I need to clean my heatsink because its packed full of dust and the temps have risen by 5 odd degrees. Think is to do this i'm gonna have to remove the hs from the cpu right? But i dont rememeber ever putting paste on the cpu when I built my rig around a year ago. Temps have always been around 30 to 35 degrees but now its up 2 about 40.

So my questions are:
-Will i need to remove the cpu from the heatsink? (its a stock hs and fan)
-If so, will i have to use thermal paste?

rpstewart · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:14

You'll probably be able to clean the heatsink without removing it from the CPU but if you do remove it then you will need to properly clean both the CPU heatspreader and the underside of the heatsink then apply some thermal compound before reseating the heatsink.

The stock heatsinks for both AMD and Intel CPUs come with a pad of thermal compound already on them hence why you don't remember putting anything on.

the_box · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:23

use some tim cleaner to get rid off the standard thermal paste!

NotAGolf · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:47

Ok thanks guys, I'm gonna try use good old fashion lung power first cos I dont fancy splashing out anymore cash!

FlyingFish · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:49

Just make sure you dont spit over everything in the process

Darkwave · 21 Jan 2007 at 15:56

You need thermal paste because it stops air pockets developing in the imperfections on the surfaces of the CPU and cooler. Air pockets are the enemy because they get insanely hot.

Phil2008 · 21 Jan 2007 at 16:09

Use a paintbrush aswel to remove the dust.