CPU grease

[bhath19]

Why do some people use "thermal paste/grease" on their processors?

[vass0922]

It replaces the pad that comes with an retail HSF that goes between the HSF and processor.

The thermal compound is a much better conductor to spread the heat from the core of the processor up to the HSF.

in other words, it makes the CPU temp go down by quite a bit in some cases... especially with a good HSF.

[Jeordiewhite]

One of the more popular compounds is artic silver, i run the AS3 on my hsf and i get quite a considerable amount of heat loss when using the stuff.
Which really helps with my zalman cooling fan as it's nice and quiet.
http://www.arcticsilver.com/

[ChubTub]

Like they said above. I myself saw a 3C decrease in temps when I applied it right the second time after taking off the pad.

[woodbutcher]

Just remember though if using a retail AMD CPU removing the thermal pad from the HSF and using thrmal compound voids the warranty on the cpu.

WB