Switching Mobo's in a week or 2. Need help with re-install of Corsair H80i

RetrogamerX · 26 Jan 2013 at 19:40

I just bought Asus Z77 Maximus V Formula mobo about a hour ago and wanted to know when re-seating the Corsair H80i which TiM do I use? and how should I use it?

Should I spread it flat like Corsair did with the pre-applied TIM using a credit card or tool that comes with most paste? Or should I use a rice grain size blob?

Also I have 4 TIM's and don't know which one would be best for the H80i

Gelid GC Extreme
Prolimatech PK-3
MX-4
Or
IC Diamond 24-Carat

Thanks

MatsyLR · 26 Jan 2013 at 20:43

MX-4 by far.
I would go with the spread with a credit card option.

RetrogamerX · 26 Jan 2013 at 20:49

Thanks mate

Nickolp1974 · 26 Jan 2013 at 21:44

I'd go with the gelid in a very small blob(pea) in centre and let the cooler spread.

RetrogamerX · 27 Jan 2013 at 05:31

ok 2 different ways..

The cooler came pre-applied spreaded with tim, so I would think that's the best way.

Still not sure which tim to use?

Nickolp1974 · 27 Jan 2013 at 09:18

Try both ways, all part of the fun, do a lttle testing, so then YOU will know.

kPATm · 27 Jan 2013 at 12:20

I usually put a small bit of a plastic bag pulled tight over my finger tip and spread it that way

RetrogamerX · 27 Jan 2013 at 12:33

kPATm said:
I usually put a small bit of a plastic bag pulled tight over my finger tip and spread it that way

Never thought of that... I could give it a go and see what happens

Swagger187 · 7 Feb 2013 at 11:43

I will hijack this thread slightly.

My H80i has just turned up but can't install it yet as I am still at work :/. However, reading thru the manual it mentions everything you have to do etc but I don't see one thing which my question is about. Is there a cable that comes with the H80i that needs to be plugged into the CPU Fan header? Or is it a case of the fans plug into the cooler block for monitoring and the RPM cable into any fan header?

Thanks

NickOw · 7 Feb 2013 at 12:22

the h80i fans have a Y cable that effectively joins the connection, and goes into the pump, however the pump has a split cable that is for SATA power and CPU fan header. Hope that helps

Swagger187 · 7 Feb 2013 at 12:30

NickOw said:
the h80i fans have a Y cable that effectively joins the connection, and goes into the pump, however the pump has a split cable that is for SATA power and CPU fan header. Hope that helps

That's the answer I was after. Thank you.

enigmo · 7 Feb 2013 at 17:15

RetrogamerX said:
Never thought of that... I could give it a go and see what happens

That's what I do, but with clingfilm over the finger. I always saw the pea-sized blob commonly touted as massively too much. I use between 1/4 and 1/2 pea size depending on heatspreader size. Start in small circles to warm and spread the TIM a little, then draw it out using light pressure to the edges of the heatspreader. You should be able to cover an entire C2D or I5/7 sized heatspreader with 1/4 pea size resulting in a very thin, dull grey coloured* layer, just try to get it as thin and wrinkle-free as possible. The heat and pressure from the sink just smooths out any imperfections, and it usually results in savings of as much as 4C compared to the recommended pea-sizes (last checked that figure on my old Q9550).

*I use AC5

davev8app · 8 Feb 2013 at 12:46

The amount you need is TOTALLY dependent on the finish of the heat sink! if it has been lapped and has a very shinny finish then a rice size bit will be enough, BUT if it has a rough finished to it then it may need a pee size lump
its best to try it with a rice size bit mount the H/S then remove it and look at it.if ok remove the past and do it again with the rice size bit.. if it needs more ajust the amount with i bit more
this vid shows why you don't spread it