Cleaning processors

[JoeFaheyx]

Hi, I have an AMD 64 3500+ CPU. I am assembling it to the mobo fairly soon. I was wondering something about cleaning. I'm suppossed to put it in by holding the sides, right? Well if I do that, do I still take some cleaning alcohol and rub it on the top to clean? If so, if you wouldn't mind, could you please give details on how to do it?

One other thing, sorry that its kind of a repost from General hardware, (but no one was replying, and this is the area for CPU questions) You know how all AMD 64's have the plate you need on the bottom of the mobo, and a black guard on top? Well, do you think that a CPU temperature sensor would fit from the bottom of the processor to the outside? I have a case with a CPU sensor and I was just wondering.

 

[JBDan]

Yes hold the sides and line up the little triangle in the corner of the chip and the socket. Can only go in ONE way be gentle. Yes use alcohol to clean your "finger oil" off the heatspreader. I cant answer your last ques about the cpu sensor srry. What mobo you have? Most likely already has a sensor.

 

[FREEZrBURN]

Hi, I'm a 3500 owner myself. I would reccomend taking the processor out before cleaning it. To clean it, just rub some alcohol on the top to get all the thermal grease off. If you get it anywhere else, don't worry, just let it dry for a couple of minutes, then put it back in.

As for the thermal probe, you can't stick it underneath the processor, you have to stick it(with the special tape) on the bottom of the heatsink on the part that's not touching the processor.

 

[JoeFaheyx]

Well, the mobo is a MSI K8n Neo2 platium. In the manuel for the case, which came with the screen on from that shows temps., it has pictures on showing how to do it, and you run the two "extrememly small" wires through the pins on the CPU. Although, I am starting to question this myself. I thought that the CPU has to be pressed very hard to the mobo. Anyways, if I put it on top of it, isn't that where the sealing paste stuff on the heatsink is placed? Or, do I put it on the top of the CPU, outside of the area where the thermal paste would go? Sorry for these noobie question, I just need specific details to get it all right. THANKS

 

[JoeFaheyx]

Bump.

 

[JoeFaheyx]

Bump.

 

[JBDan]

Originally posted by: JoeFahey
Well, the mobo is a MSI K8n Neo2 platium. In the manuel for the case, which came with the screen on from that shows temps., it has pictures on showing how to do it, and you run the two "extrememly small" wires through the pins on the CPU. Although, I am starting to question this myself. I thought that the CPU has to be pressed very hard to the mobo. Anyways, if I put it on top of it, isn't that where the sealing paste stuff on the heatsink is placed? Or, do I put it on the top of the CPU, outside of the area where the thermal paste would go? Sorry for these noobie question, I just need specific details to get it all right. THANKS

No the CPU does NOT have to be pressed AT ALL. It really kinda falls into place when you seat it correctly. Put the paste on top of the CPU (heat spreader). Go to arctic silvers website and look at their instruc's on how to apply. No worries on the noobness we were all noobs at one time.

 

[JoeFaheyx]

Well the CPU is new, and the heatsink already has the heatspreader paste stuff on it...So am I set cleaning wise? Do I need to clean it at all since its all new? So can I just place the heatsink on the processor on the mobo, without putting extra paste on or anything? Sorry for the fact that I need specific details....Also, for the CPU sensor. It's to tell the temperature on the case LCD screen. WHERE and HOW do I put it how? Some people have told me on top, some have told me on bottom. THANKS

 

[wseyller]

That kind of temperature sensor has to be install between the cpu and ZIF socket. The wires need to lay between the pins. Installing it between the heatsink and cpu would not give you a good temp. reading. Sometimes the sensor is too long but you can cut some of it off. Actually you should get installation directions that is for your sensor and follow it, so you don't run into any problems.

 

[JoeFaheyx]

Alright, thanks wseyller!

About the thermal paste stuff though. If everything is new out of the box. Can I just put the heatsink straight on to the CPU? Do I really need to clean anything if its new, and I hold on the sides of the CPU?

 

[JoeFaheyx]

Bump.

 

[sodcha0s]

Since you obviously do not have a heatsink installed on it yet, you should clean the top off with alcohol before installing the heatsink. You can do it before or after putting it in the socket, whatever is easier for you. Once that is done, find some instructions for applying whatever thermal paste you are using and follow the directions. It's not very difficult, just take your time and you'll be fine.

 

[JoeFaheyx]

So I need to buy thermal paste even when there is some stuff on the bottom of the heatsink?

 

[wseyller]

It depends. First off the cpu itself will not have an thermal paste on it to begin with. It would not hurt to clean the die or the heatshield off before installation with 99% alcohol (this would be to only remove any dust or dirt if any). If you use the retail heatsink it will have a thermal compound applied to it already. If you choose to use the existing compound, then just install it. If you want to use an aftermarket compound (I suggest Artic Silver 5) then you will have to clean off the existing compound. If your running this cpu at stock speed I suggest just sticking with the retail cooling and using the pre-applied compound, also a good idea if you don't have much experience.