Arctic Silver 5 On GPU/Mobo Heatsinks?

[bobthebuilder1]

This is a thermal compound question thread. Let's get right to it!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?Item=N82E16814127280

I recently purchased this videocard in conjunction with a tube of Arctic Silver 5 from The Egg. The AS5 was intended for the new Q6600, but I thought perhaps I can save some of it and apply the goop to the GPU as well. I've never disassembled a GPU before to put new thermal compound on it so I'm a bit nervous. I looked through the FAQ sticky here in this forum but it didn't mention any guide. For those whom attempted this feat before, could you please lend a greenhorn a hand?

While on the same topic, this is the mobo it is going to sit in:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...p?Item=N82E16813128047

Is it advisable/relatively safe to remove the two heatsinks and apply the AS5?

If anyone here has tried to apply AS5 to any other component than the CPU please give your pointers. I've put it on CPU HS's before, but never anything else. Before I RMA a nice box of goods back to Newegg, I'd just like a little reassurance.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide in advance!

 

[Rike]

Welcome to the forums!

I've used AS5 on GPU's several times and a chipset once with good results and no issues. You just have to be careful. AS5 is slightly conductive so you have to be careful not to bridge two leads that are close to each other. If you are concerned about how steady your hand is, you could always mask off areas of concern while you put it on and remove the tape just before you attach the heat sink. That's over kill unless you have a bad case of shakes. Just make sure you don't use too much and have a bunch squish out. That's bad.

Offical AS5 instructions

 

[bobthebuilder1]

I'm familiar with the less is more bit, as I've seen that advice through tons of google searches.

Just a dab does the trick otherwise it becomes an insulator, not a heat transfer.

I don't mind spending the time doing a nice masking job, as it is better than an RMA. I'm more concerned with how to properly remove the actual mobo HS's and GPU fan/HS/power cable without damaging the components. Nice and slow of course, but is it for instance, better to twist the mobo Northbridge HS or try to pull it straight up? Perhaps I'm just being anal, but better safe than sorry.

Thanks again!

 

[Rike]

From the pics on Newegg, it looks like the NB HS is held down with two plastic barbs. Squeeze the barbs together and slide it though the hole on the mobo and it should come right off. It looks like the SB is similar. Just go easy and you'll be fine.

 

[zach0624]

Yeah I would be carefull removing/replacing the gpu heatsink especially. I removed my heatsink/fan on my ti4200 a couple of years ago to replace it with a passive cooler and somehow managed to kill it(had problems getting it off and might have knocked something off or didn't apply the thermal paste correctly) so it is always best to err on the side of caution the first time. The first time I built my own computer, I built it one handed (had one hand on the case to ground myself and built it on hardwood with no socks because I was ten and had no idea about grounding strips and my dad told me any static would fry it) it worked and now I ground myself only when starting and after walking on carpet to get something.

 

[bobthebuilder1]

I use a grounding strap and touch the case just to make double sure that I've discharged all the static. You just can't be too caution with expensive computer parts!

On another forum a couple guys are recommending a new paste called Arctic Cooling MX-2. Have any of you heard of it/used it and if so, would you recommend it as a replacement for the AS5 I was(am?) going to use?

 

[Rike]

They say it's good stuff and not conductive at all. Jab-Tech has it in stock so I'll probably get some from them the next time I place an order there.

 

[bobthebuilder1]

I managed to remove the NB and SB. The SB came off without any problem, but the NB was sticky and "snaped" when the paste seal was broken. The chip and HS sem alright, but the sound was most unpleasant. I'm going to Home Depot/Ace tomorrow and see if I can't find some 90% alcohol to clean them off. That "snap" noise did give me a jump! :-O

 

[Rike]

If you can find it there, look at a drug store. I found a large bottle of 90% alcohol at a Walgreens for just a few bucks.

 

[nyker96]

I put some on my north bridge, don't know if works some magic or not but I think a fan will do more tho.