Should I remove the thermal paste under the Q9450 hsf?

[PascalT]

I just got my Q9450 and I noticed the HSF is different than any other CPU I've had. The bottom has a copper base with a bit of paste in the middle. Should I remove it and if so how? I'm afraid of damaging the copper part, it looks flimsy.

I will OC a little bit so I am wondering if it's worth going through it and replace it with AS5. Usually I would, just not sure if a 45nm chip really needs it?

Should I put AS5 on the cpu as well? Never used this socket before, seems different.

thanks

 

[CalvinHobbes]

Leave it, IMO.

 

[Aisengard]

You should get an aftermarket heatsink if you plan on overclocking. Stock heatsinks are junk.

 

[Ratman6161]

Originally posted by: PascalT
I just got my Q9450 and I noticed the HSF is different than any other CPU I've had. The bottom has a copper base with a bit of paste in the middle. Should I remove it and if so how? I'm afraid of damaging the copper part, it looks flimsy.

I will OC a little bit so I am wondering if it's worth going through it and replace it with AS5. Usually I would, just not sure if a 45nm chip really needs it?

Should I put AS5 on the cpu as well? Never used this socket before, seems different.

thanks

Even if I were going to use the stock HSF (which I wouldn't if I were going to overclock it), I'd still clean off the crap paste they put on it and use something decent instead. You should be able to use somthing flat like an old credit card or the edge of a razor blade to scrape off most of it, then us alcohol on a rag to clean off the rest. Finally, if a HSF is so flimsy it could not stand up to that, then I wouldnt want to use it anyway.

 

[Jakeisbest]

AS5 is a waste, if you are going to stay with the stock HSF then don't bother changing the thermal paste.

If you want to run your system cooler or OC then for sure get a better HSF. AS5 is a waste of money imho, just use what ever grease comes the after market HSF you buy. From what I have seen the Zalman or Tuniq grease is just as good as AS5.

 

[PascalT]

Thanks for the advice(s). I'm definitely going to buy a new HSF. I wanted to include one in my order but it was too late already. I'll just use the stock HSF this week and see how it goes. I'll probably get some MX-2 to replace the AS5.

What HSF would you recommend? Something not too expensive and silent. I was thinking of getting a Scythe Mine Rev.B or a Mugen.

 

[bryanW1995]

I have a tuniq on my x3350. it keeps the temps well under control at 3.6 in a room with a 26c+ ambient. It could easily go higher if fsb limitations didn't kick in. I have a zalman 9700 on my 9450. It struggles at 3.4 in a 23c ambient room. both systems have antec 900's with all fans on medium. btw, the tuniq is only running at 1500 rpm for 24/7 use. I just bought a used tuniq for my new q6600, we'll see how this one does.