Thread: CPU Thermal Paste

Previously when I've had a CPU overheat, it has shutdown - then rebooted.

Whizz down to Disk Smith's or Jaycar and get some compound.

if it's running cooler now with the fins cleaned, it should be fine until you get around to it. whatever you do don't panic.
the thermal paste only improves the surface connection between the hot bits and the heat sink, basically allowing the heat sink to dissipate most of the heat.
it wil still work, but not as well.
most pcb's and electronic components will work reliably up to about 85 degrees, they are usually cooled to operate around 40-50 and have a safety at somewhere near 65.
the cooler it runs the better it will operate.

Your cpu will throttle back (may even shut down) to protect itself from overheating and damage but you will need to reapply the thermal paste between the cpu and heat sink.

Look around the internet for instructions on doing it. Too much thermal paste is just as bad as too little.

Originally Posted by Ferret

Your cpu will throttle back (may even shut down) to protect itself from overheating and damage but you will need to reapply the thermal paste between the cpu and heat sink.

Look around the internet for instructions on doing it. Too much thermal paste is just as bad as too little.

Ok, so if too much thermal paste can be a problem does that mean that I have to clean off the paste that I applied when I put it together the first time.
If so, what do you use ??

not sure what the pro's use,,
but tissues seem to get most of it off,,try NOT to get it on your cloths or skin.
hmm just happen to have a tube of Arctic Silver here---
its say's instructions can be had at
arcticsilver.com

also to keep away from children,,,

Originally Posted by jbarracl

Ok, so if too much thermal paste can be a problem does that mean that I have to clean off the paste that I applied when I put it together the first time.
If so, what do you use ??

Yes, you must clean off the old paste. From the cpu and from the heat sink. I use acetone but pure alcohol is most commonly recommended. Just dip a cotton bud into the solvent and clean up the surface of the two components. Finish off by wiping with a tissue and keep your fingers off it. Do not use nail polish remover, it contains oil.

You need only a tiny amount of the paste, about the size of a grain of rice. Spread that evenly over the cpu or the heat sink using a plastic credit card. No need to treat both cpu and heat sink, just do one or the other.

The purpose of the paste is to fill microscopic imperfections and voids. If you have too much it just inhibits heat transfer to the heat sink.

As mentioned above 'Acrtic Silver' is a common brand but really any of the brands are OK for 99% of purposes.

By the way the temperatures you quoted in your oringinal post are fine, temperatures of 55C at load with the case closed are not a concern. Next time just try removing the dust from the heat sink using a fine brush.

If you want to test your cpu cooling look on google for some software called 'cpu Burn'. Run it while monitoring your cpu temperature for 5-10 mins. If it does not rise above 65C with your PC case closed then all is good.