Thermal Grease Help

[Arcuivie]

I just ordered some Artic Silver 3, and I wanted to know a good way to remove the melted rubber pad thingy on the bottom of the heatsink and the top of the core of the processor. They say not to touch it with your hands, but I accidentally did that already :S. I was also wondering if I had to get all the melted stuff off the side of the core, not the stuff that’s touching the core though.

Also I wanted to know how often I have to reapply the thermal grease (I don't plan on overclocking).

[Xtreeme]

-double post-

[Xtreeme]

" I wanted to know a good way to remove the melted rubber pad thingy on the bottom of the heatsink and the top of the core of the processor. They say not to touch it with your hands, but I accidentally did that already :S."

No biggy. They say not to touch it if your using it is all. Its cause the oils from fingers trap heat. So to remove pad. I use a credit card or old drivers license. Plastic wont gouge the HS or core of chip. Take edge and scrape away excess material. After that. Take a paper towel and dab it with some rubbing alcohol. Wipe till the color of TIM (thermal interface material) is gone. Carefully repeat the same on CPU die. The alch. will not harm the electronics. Just make sure dry before reassembly. And don't have the towel soaked either, just damp with it.
When applying AS# only have it on core. Not hole PCB. Don't let it touch bridges and such. Check http://www.arcticsilver.com/as3.htm
and for help applying
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...structions.htm






"I was also wondering if I had to get all the melted stuff off the side of the core, not the stuff that’s touching the core though."

Yes-remove it. It will come right off with the edge of credit card or such. Thats parifen wax for ya.

Heres a compairison of them all and also some great tips and more info about paste etc.

http://www.thetechzone.com/reviews/r...ound/page3.htm

[Arcuivie]

Thanks a lot man, I appreciate it .

[beppodmime]

I use naptha (zippo lighter fluid) to remove TIM pads from the bottom of HSF's, as it takes the goopy stuff right off. After I get all of the TIM off, I use rubbing alchohol to give it a good cleaning.

[Arcuivie]

Wait, can I use rubbing alcohol on the core of the processor also? Or is that what the die is? (Sorry for the ignorance, I'm new to all this computer hardware stuff :P)

[JPMiller]

Core = Die...same thing...you can use rubbing acohol, paint thinner , nailpolish remover, etc.
Just dont douse it or touch the rubber pads at the corners of the proccessor with it.

[Xtreeme]

"nailpolish remover"

No dont use that. As AS3 site and others said. It has perfumes (fragrence) in it and they are oils. THese oils will fill pits and STAY. Hindering your heat transfer. Use rubbing alch. or acetone. But if acetone is used on the die (core)-your supposed to follow up with alc. anyhow. So I just use that. Its comes right off.

[JPMiller]

Your right, I should have put that...sorry, I actually use straight generic acetone labeled as nailpolish remover.
And I do always do a last cleaning with alcohol to clean any residues.
Thank you for for putting that straight...I posted a quick reply without all the details...My bad. I shouldnt be so cryptic.