Is it safe to run a XP1600+ without thermal paste a few days?

[Skalman]

Hi, I've a XP1600+ and a taisol heatsink/fan but I have will get my thermal paste after the weekend. The heatsink will be removed from another processor and hence, it has no thermal tape or maybe some fragments of it. Is it safe to use it without thermal paste for a few days?

 

[geekender]

Nooooo!

 

[Skalman]

Are you really sure? I mean, have you tried? The CPU is 44-51C now and I think it can be over 65 degrees C before burning (?). Does the thermal paste really make such a big difference?

 

[oldfart]

NO!
NO!
NO!

Stop by Radio Shack and pick up some paste. Not worth the risk.

 

[Theslowone]

Yeah stop by Radio shack and pick up some make sure you get the rest of that thermal pad off. Even if you did want to try it without hs grease(but I wouldn't) fragments of the thermal pad would do more harm then good.

 

[Skalman]

Ok ok. I'll wait for my as3
Another question. You said that the old thermal pad would do more harm than good. Then, how do I git rid of all the old thermal pad? Just scratch or should I use some chemical. Thanks!

 

[Theslowone]

use rubbing alchol or acetone (fingernail polish remover) and if you want sand it down a little with >1000 grit sandpaper.


For a more extensive way to do it, you can look here.

 

[BadThad]

I've found a credit card or other piece of plastic works good. Just DON'T scratch the finish or you need to use the sandpaper trick to smooth it out again.

BTW - NO! hehehe

 

[Bakwetu]

There's no radio shack where skalman lives, but the equivalent would be Kjell o company or Claes Ohlsson. If you want a dab of AS2 I can send it to you gratis

 

[Bucksnort]

It's ok to go without the thermal compound after you have ordered your new cpu and mb.

 

[cmaMath13]

It would probably be ok, but WHY risk it? Why not just wait, so you don't have to re-do everything. Plus, it may not be worth the risk.

I guess the real question is: "Are you daring?"

 

[ChefJoe]

heheh.. I thought I'd add my 2 cents and say "it'd be like trying to run a car engine with the clinging drops of oil in it rather than getting the stuff jiffy-lube keeps in stock. better something than nothing"

 

[Rankor]

If you're still unsure, try it...

After the proc burns up (in maybe less than 10 minutes), let us know and the rest will say, 'I told you so'. And with that, you'll know better next time.

Common sense...

Today's procs require interface material between the core and heatsink/fan, whether in be thermal paste, grease or even the thermal pad that comes with the boxd procs.

It's good you took the time to ask the question. I've read other posts where people have tried it and failed and posted to the forums after the fact.

 

[Wind]

NO paste...no good. Might burn ur XP1600+. Some form of thermal compound is needed.

The clean the stock pad on the HSF, use a razor to scrap the pad. Remove the remaining residue w/ alcohol.

On the CPU core...use alcohol....no razor.