Applying Arctic Silver 5 on AMD Winnie

[GML3G0]

I've read up on installing Arctic Silver 5, but everyone says something different. Am I supposed to rub it after putting the rice sized grain on or not? I thought the pressure applied after you place the haet sink on top is supposed to even it out.

 

[tr1kstanc3]

just put a rice sized dab in the middle. its not necessary to spread it out. i've tried both and i always get the same temp regardless.

 

[Mrvile]

I spread it for kicks anyway. But a lot of people don't.

 

[mwmorph]

pressure, just like the instruction says.

 

[BlindBartimaeus]

I am unsure of the pressure methods but have always had good luck spreading it real thin with a credit card.

 

[zakee00]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
pressure, just like the instruction says.

 

[govtcheez75]

i actually tried and tested both ways, and it does seem that the rice sized blob gives a sligtly better result dropping the temperature by a degree or two from spreading it. I tried it more than once, and got the same results.

also, spreading it on the heatsink itself VERY thin (basically putting on a little bit, and wiping it down with a coffee fileter to get a mirror like shine) helps with another degree or two.

 

[tuffgong]

Believe when I say do not spread the thermal compound. Been there, done that (wrong), paid for it. Let it do it's thing.

 

[GML3G0]

iight thanks.

 

[yliu]

There are two pitfalls to watch out for when applying thermal interface material (TIM): 1) over application causing the TIM to be too thick; and 2) air bubbles and/or other non-TIM material embedded within the TIM.

With the spread method, I believe you minimize the chance of 1) but creates more opportunities for 2.
With the DAB method, you minimize the chance of 2) but creates more opportunities for 1).

Basically, both methods, if used carefully to avoid 1) and 2) above, will create the same intended result: an even, thin layer between the heatsink and the CPU that just fills the gaps between the metal without trapping any air or non TIM material in between. If you keep that in mind when you apply the TIM, you should be fine.

 

[jiffylube1024]

I've done both on Socket 478 P4's with very similar results. The grain size dab in the middle may have given slightly better results, but it's negligible if done correctly.

Spreading does waste more TIM though, because when you cover the complete core you have to get the layer consistently thin but across the whole surface, so you end up with a fair bit leftover on your spreading blade.

 

[krcat1]

I have had better experience with the pressure method than spreading.

Make sure the center of the CPU is covered in AS5.
If the HS moves alot when you put it on, the AS5 might thin out over the center of the CPU.
If you spread, you might consider spreading just over the inner half of the CPU surface area.
Then make sure the HS is steady when you put it on.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
I spread it for kicks anyway. But a lot of people don't.

I do not use Thermal compound at all ever.

Never have lost a CPU due to heat even in 150 degree attic.

 

[Dravic]

Originally posted by: BlindBartimaeus
I am unsure of the pressure methods but have always had good luck spreading it real thin with a credit card.

use the same method.. nice hard plaistic edge, works great for making sure the amount accross the surface is uniform.

 

[nealh]

AS5 is like glue..if you spread thin layer on the IHS there is a risk of it sticking too much to cpu and people have pulled the cpu out of the socket when remove HSF

If you got to Artic Silver website they say with A64 and P4 to use a small dab in the center and NOT to spread it around...applier beware and warned

 

[HeaterCore]

Miracle of miracles, Arctic Silver posts actual instructions based on type of CPU and AS.
Spread thin on exposed-core chips; use the rice-grain/pressure method on IHS chips. Preapply compound to the heatsink itself if using AS 1-3; if using AS5, don't bother.

-HC-

 

[thriemus]

I have used artic silver 5 alot and for me the best way has been to place a little in the middle and then use a bit of plastic (eg plastic fork from chip shop or old credit card) to spread it across the surface making sure its thin and flat. AS5 is very thick so when you install the heatsink try applying a little pressure and rotate the heatsink a few degrees clockwise and anticlockwise to even out the surface lumps.

In my experience this is the best way to apply it and my system runs 29 idle and 43 under full load for days.

I am not saying anyone else is wrong, just speaking of my experiences using the compound

 

[selfbuilt]

Originally posted by: HeaterCore
Miracle of miracles, Arctic Silver posts actual instructions based on type of CPU and AS.
Spread thin on exposed-core chips; use the rice-grain/pressure method on IHS chips. Preapply compound to the heatsink itself if using AS 1-3; if using AS5, don't bother.

I feel your pain ... why do people find it so hard to believe that the manufacturer might actually know the best way to use their own product? :roll: After all, it's not like they just gave some lame-o, one-size-fits-all set of instructions - they are very explicit on the different needs of different chips/AS combos. Presumably, they know what they are talking about ...

 

[thriemus]

Yea like microsoft...... and SCO...... and all the others out there.
Like AMD when they say this processor should be run at 2200 MHz then an overclocker comes along and says, hey I bet this processor will run at 2651MHz with no problems.

Hmmmmm so if you follow the manufactures recomendations then why do you contribute to an overclockers forum which goes against everything the manufacturer has stated, after all they know what they are talking about. :/

EDIT: I would love to hear your reply to this...

 

[GML3G0]

jeez im just asking, lol.... does the stock HSF thermal pad stick to the cpu? or can i just pull it off easily, I will still have to clean it with a Q-Tip with some nail polish remover or alcohol on it right?

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: GML3G0
jeez im just asking, lol.... does the stock HSF thermal pad stick to the cpu? or can i just pull it off easily, I will still have to clean it with a Q-Tip with some nail polish remover or alcohol on it right?

it sticks. you have to use some 90% or higher alcohol to clean it off.

 

[GML3G0]

ok, i heard someone say nail polish works. does it?

 

[HeaterCore]

It'll work, but it leaves behind residue that will mess with whatever TIM you use next. Don't use it. I read somewhere about a product called
ArcticClean or something similar, supposed to do a good job; but wouldn't bother with it -- alcohol, as close to pure as you can find, will work fine.

-HC-

 

[thriemus]

Remove thermal pads completely and use the arctic silver 5

 

[tuffgong]

if someone was never going to oc wouldnt the thermal pad do just fine?