Reapplying Thermal Paste

JLV2k5

JLV2k5

Active Member
I attempts to lower some temps I think I am going to reapply thermal paste to my CPU. I am probably gunna go with AS 5 or something along those lines. I guess I just carefully take off the HS and do I wipe off the previous TP with a tissue? That is what someone recommended before. I know about the thin layer of TP using a credit card and then a BB size dab in the center. Then I guess i just carefully put the HS back on and clamp it down?

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.
 
Been doing it for 15 years and never heard of anybody doing both. The Compound is just for filling in the imperfections between the CPU and heatsink, its better to have compound in them then open air. But metal to metal contact is the best. The cleaner-flatter and smother the two surfaces are the less compound you need. You either put a rice size amount and let the heatsink spread it out or you do it with a credit card before you mount the heatsink. But you do not spread it out and then put another amount in the center.; This is thermal compound for filling in imperfections not as a layer between the two like your baking a cake.
 
Last edited:
so if your cpu doesnt seem to be cooling so great, reapplying fresh paste isnt going to help AT ALL ? or could it make a difference ? curious as well....
 
ive seen that zalman thermal paste, it doesnt seem girly at all. i fink people jst perfer using a card and spreading it
 
so if your cpu doesnt seem to be cooling so great, reapplying fresh paste isnt going to help AT ALL ? or could it make a difference ? curious as well....
Click to expand...

Yes, it will. What Strangle mentioned was called 'lapping'. Google it for complete details, but suffice it to say it involves sanding the CPU to create a much flatter surface than what comes from the factory. If done on both the CPU and HSF base, more metal-to-metal contact is provided, thus providing better natural heat-transfer, thus negating the need for TP. Thing is, lapping is sensitive and needs to be done very carefully, and if done wrong can destroy your CPU.

For all other instances, TP occasionally needs to be reapplied. newer compounds are designed to withstand longer periods, but the older formulas will dry out and crack at times, thus significantly reducing their ability to transfer heat away from the CPU.

or maybe people think its too 'girly' because its applied the same way as nail pollish
Click to expand...

Heh:o STG1, huh...never heard of that stuff. Being as OCD as I am, I'll have to try it out.
 
jw214 said:
so if your cpu doesnt seem to be cooling so great, reapplying fresh paste isnt going to help AT ALL ? or could it make a difference ? curious as well....
Click to expand...

If your using the stock stuff and cooler than yes putting AS 5 or another top brand Thermal Compound on your temps will drop a few degrees, even better if you went for a better aftermarket Heatsink and Fan.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top