cpu & hsf

3rdbase · 28th Jan 2007, 06:34 AM

I am a first time builder and I know this is a dumb question but with thermal paste applied on top of the cpu, is the hsf supposed to sit directly on the cpu?

Chai · 28th Jan 2007, 11:02 AM

Yup, it is. Remove an protective cover at the base of the heatsink if there's one.

goldfries · 29th Jan 2007, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3rdbase

I am a first time builder and I know this is a dumb question but with thermal paste applied on top of the cpu, is the hsf supposed to sit directly on the cpu?

yes. you must understand that the thermal paste is to enhance the contact point between the processor and the heatsink.

you see, if the processor and the heatsink have wholes or inconsistencies on the surface then the contact wouldn't be complete thus resulting in less optimal transfer of heat.

here's there the thermal paste comes in.

so now that you have thermal paste in between them, it will take up the empty spaces (should there be any) and be the contact point between both.

Olle P · 29th Jan 2007, 04:02 PM

... and be careful when applying paste.
The most common fault is to use too much.
Ideally it should only fill the gaps, not add any distance between the CPU and the heatsink.

Another fault sometimes encountered is when there's already some thermal compound pre-attached to the heatsink, typically on "boxed" heatsinks that come with the CPU.
Applying extra paste to those is a big no-no.

/Olle

neverthar · 31st Jan 2007, 01:41 PM

And for those who are using Arctic Silver and it's relatives products, you can refer here for a proper guide to applying their thermal pastes according to processor type. Make sure the base of the hsf and the proc's IHS is properly cleaned using isoprpyl alcohol

http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm

28th Jan 2007, 06:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
3rdbase Newbie Join Date: 28 Jan 2007 Posts: 2 Reputation: 0 Rep Power: 0	cpu & hsf I am a first time builder and I know this is a dumb question but with thermal paste applied on top of the cpu, is the hsf supposed to sit directly on the cpu?

28th Jan 2007, 11:02 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chai Administrator Join Date: 6 Oct 2002 Location: Maranello Posts: 28,127 Reputation: 4649 Rep Power: 82	Yup, it is. Remove an protective cover at the base of the heatsink if there's one. __________________ Chai (Contributor & Forum Admin) http://www.techarp.com/

29th Jan 2007, 04:02 PM	#4 (permalink)
Olle P Active Join Date: 12 Jan 2005 Location: Sweden Posts: 815 Reputation: 315 Rep Power: 9	... and be careful when applying paste. The most common fault is to use too much. Ideally it should only fill the gaps, not add any distance between the CPU and the heatsink. Another fault sometimes encountered is when there's already some thermal compound pre-attached to the heatsink, typically on "boxed" heatsinks that come with the CPU. Applying extra paste to those is a big no-no. /Olle __________________ If you're not living on the edge you take up too much space... Asus A8E-N, Athlon64 X2 4600+, 1024MB Kingston value, XFX GF7800GT, Seagate 160GB/8MB

31st Jan 2007, 01:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
neverthar I'm a regular Join Date: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 284 Reputation: 234 Rep Power: 6	And for those who are using Arctic Silver and it's relatives products, you can refer here for a proper guide to applying their thermal pastes according to processor type. Make sure the base of the hsf and the proc's IHS is properly cleaned using isoprpyl alcohol http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm __________________ Only available by PM. Will help if possible Wanted: 2nd hand good condition IS lense for Canon 400D