CPU Temp at 45-degrees - too late for thermal grease?

[altonb1]

I know I shouldn't have been so lazy, but I upgraded my AMD 1800+ to a 2400+ CPU and instead of using Artic Alumina, I just left the thermal pad on the stock AMD fan (Retail CPU) and didn't bother with the grease at all. When I added the CPU and checked the temps a day or so later, SiSoft Sandra as well as the BIOS showed CPU temp at 41.5 degrees. I just checked again recently and then again a few mins ago, and the temp is now 45-degrees. (I can't believe it is getting hotter....)

If I add thermal grease, would it make a difference since the thermal pad has already melted? If so, should I just add it on top now, or is there an easy way to remove the thermal pad and start over with the grease?

I have a case with an acrylic side window. The window has a fan, I have one on the back of the case, a 3rd just sitting inside the case circulating air around inside it, plus an AGP slot fan. I should have plenty of cooling, and the only reason i have a fan just sitting in there is because I wanted the blue LEDs in there, too.

Anyway, anyone have any suggestions on how to get the temps down? My old 1800+ was in the upper 30s with grease. I'd like to see the 30s again, if possible and easy enough to do.

 

[Unforgiven]

well its worth a shot to apply the grease now to at least cool it down. if the thermal pad has already melted on im sure there are methods to remove it (im not recommending this, its just a thought) or you may be able to apply thermal grease ontop of the existing pad to offer at least some kind of cooling!

 

[CindySue22]

I am certainly no expert, but from what I have gathered reading here and at other tech forums, that temp is well within the limits of AMD XP cpu's. I have a 2600+ and it regularily runs at 50 C with no problems. (Retail with retail fan/HS)

 

[PrincessGuard]

45C is nothing to worry about. The pad is a pain to remove so I wouldn't bother.

On hot days my 1800+ runs loaded at around 60C just fine (no case fans, undervolted CPU fan).

 

[tboneuls]

I belive AMD says that the core can go up to 90C, I wouldn't want to get close to that, but I wouldn't worry at all with 45. Are those temps at full load or not? Removing the themal pad now would probably be too much work.

 

[jmagg]

Make sure your rear fan is exhausting the hot air.

 

[altonb1]

I checked the rear fan, and it is defintely exhausting hot air. i also checked the rest of the fans and noticed a small layer of dust on the CPU fan and some of the other stuff inside. While PC running, just blew spray air on top of the fan to clear out the dust particles. CPU temp is now down to 42.5. Kinda odd since the case is literraly only a few weeks old, and I still had enough to cause a few degrees worth of heat.

In any case, what is the general consensus on adding the thermal grease now? Would it make enough of a difference to even bother?

 

[lobadobadingdong]

anything between 40 and 50C is normal for that processor with the retail hsf. if you want cooler temps (overclocking) you'd need to get a more exotic cooling fan.

 

[Tango57]

yes try adding some thermal grease and then recheck your temps. i think your temps are fine though. my barton runs in the 40's all day and night without a hitch.

 

[2336]

IMO your temps aren't that bad at all. Definitely no cause for concern. As far as the dust, yes it can make a noticeable difference in temperature. I blow out the interior of my case at least monthly, sometimes more often. If you're deadset on adding the thermal grease and trying to drop a few more degrees from the temp, I'd recommend removing as much of the thermal pad as possible. I use a razor blade to remove it from the bottom of the HSF, then clean it up with acetone (can be found at auto parts stores)- takes the remainder right off, and dries with little or no residue. As far as what is on the CPU. There probably won't be a lot stuck to the die. There will probably be some that has melted down alongside the die though. Once again acetone is great for cleaning the majority of this. Now, before you apply the thermal grease here's a little trick that I've found to drop temps at least 1 degree Celsius, or more. Take some Brasso, or any good metal polish, and shine up the bottom of the HSF unit. Most heatsinks are fairly smooth from the manufacturer today. But by polishing the bottom you increase the amount of surface area to transfer heat through and give the thermal grease a better foundation to work through. Just make sure to clean the bottom thoroughly afterwards. Hope this helps.

 

[altonb1]

Not sure why the temp is dropping, but without ding anything else besides blowing the dust, the temp is now showing as 40.5. I think I'll probably skip adding thermal grease, BUT....if i were to just add it on without attempting to remove the thermal pad, what would be the consequence? Any negatives to worry about?

 

[LiLithTecH]

You are better off with the Thermal (polymer) Pad than the grease
on your AMD (AMD actually does not recommend grease).
Grease will also VOID the warranty left on the CPU.

Grease tends to spread when heated and cooled where as the pad
will consistantly expand and contract without spreading.

Don't add grease to the pad as it will lose it ability to transfer the heat,
shooting your temps up.

 

[2336]

LiLithTecH, I agree with you about not adding grease to the pad and for a retail AMD CPU that's the quickest way to void the warranty. However, I apologize for not being clearer. When I said thermal grease I mean Arctic Silver or any of it's off brand types. I don't recommend the white thermal paste that you see in stores like Radio Shack etc. That stuff is a waste of time IMO and definitely does spread as you described. Arctic Silver, if applied correctly doesn't turn into a mess. Unless you apply it like a young lady I met who was attempting her first homebuilt rig. In addition to bolting the motherboard directly to the case without ANY standoffs she had applied Arctic Silver to her Athlon XP2000+ - EVERYWHERE!!! There wasn't a single spot on the top of the CPU that wasn't covered by a thick layer of Arctic Silver! Honest!LMAO!

 

[LiLithTecH]

I have never been a big believer in the Artic Silver use.
It seems to me that the 3-5 degrees (12 optimal - in a perfect world)
you may possibly gain are simply not worth the effort. The $7 or so
would be better spent on additional cooling.

Mostly, I believe that moving the air out and away as quickly
and quietly as possibly as a much better approach to the problem.