Stupid cooling compound error

eddyc

eddyc

eddyc

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When I fitted my cpu cooler I didn't bother reading any instructions regarding applying the cooling compound and so applied much too much. I scraped some off but Im not convinced that it has done the trick really. Probably still too much on there and I have read about bubbles in it causing problems if you dont put it all in a single blob in the middle (I didnt :o)

Do you guys think I need to be worried? My temps seem to be okay but I don't want them any higher than they have to be.

I bought some replacement compound of a certain auction site for £1. Is there much difference in the quality of expensive vs cheap? Am I better off with badly applied good compound or well applied cheap compound? :confused:

Any help would be amazing.

Thanks
 
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Always buy decent compound, you'll see why when you compare it to the cheap stuff in use, especially if your gaming or overclocking the rig.
 
I use Artice Silver.

I've just finished putting my rig together and I put plenty on.

I usually put 2 or 3 **** on the cpu in a triangle and then get a piece of clingfilm of celophane, wrap it over my finger tip and spread the compound around until its even.

it doesn't have to be a silky smooth finish, if you tighten your cooler down properly it'll be fine.
 
I'd say it does look a bit uneven.

I personally don't think you have enough paste on there.

I usually cover the whole of the cpu, so it ends up looking like it has a dark grey cover over it.

As long as its not pouring over the edges I would make sure you can't see any of the back of the cpu.

As I said it doesn't have to be perfectly smooth as your cooler will sort that out when you tighten it up.
 
bigjimmyauk said:
If you get one thats silver based please don't use to much as it's conductive and if it gets on your mobo it could be game over
Click to expand...
Silver based compounds can be capacitive I think, I'm not sure about conducting, but I'm being pedantic, you're right it is a bad idea to get it on your motherboard regardless.

This is why I use the cheapy silicone based white goo... Non conductive, non capacitative, easier to apply, cheap as chips (I have a 50ml tube which was less than a tenner) and performs well enough for me.
 
eddyc said:
Okay, here are some photos:

Processor

Bottom of cpu cooler

What do you guys think? I had not taken it off before. Looks pretty uneven.
Click to expand...

looks uneven because there is too much on there!

I would clean the paste off both the CPU and Heatsink.. then you need to put a small pea sized amount in the middle of your CPU.. mount the heatsink (but don't tighten) and then apply a bit of pressure and twist the heatsink side to side.. this will distribute the paste evenly.. then tighten the Heatsink mounting
 
Not enough ... too much :confused:

Sorry magpie I am going to go with Pneumonic because he has more posts than you! Also just finished reading Pneumonic's extreme air cooling thread and it was awesome.

So I will clean it off and do just like you say. Do you think it is a problem using really cheap stuff? I could probably stretch to something a bit more than £1 if necessary.
 
eddyc,

Depends what you are going to do after.. if you are just looking for some cooler temps at stock or a small overclock then it should be fine..

Otherwise I would suggest some MX-2 or Artic Silver if you are looking for good stuff cheapish.. MX-3 is regarded as the top of the range stuff right now..

Between 'cheap' and MX-3 you are probably looking at maybe 5-7c load difference in temperature..
 
I have only used MX-2 and the Tuniq variant (cant remember the name) and for what, £5-7 for a decent sized tube, it is a no-brainer for me :).

Got the Tuniq stuff on my Q6600 as it came with the Tuniq Tower and currently has the CPU idling at between 32 and 35 degrees running @ 3.42GHz. Full load in L4D2 and C&C3 sees temps go no higher than 48.

/edit

and this is with the application method of a 1-2cm line down the centre of the CPU (about a grain of rice width and height)
 
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