thermal compound

[elphoney]

i'm not sure how to use it.do i put it on the chip or around the chip?

[Atomic Rooster]

You put it on the CPU.

Here's full instructions on applying thermal paste from Arctic Silver: Application Instructions

[Patrick]

I just got a new processor, an Intel dual-core, and it doesn't require thermal paste. I've been checking temps and am happy with the performance.

[Theophylact]

"Doesn't require thermal paste" because the Intel retail heatsink/fan came with a thermal pad? Or are you not using anything at all?

[Patrick]

This is from the Intel website:

"The fan heatsink included with the boxed Intel processor must be securely attached to the processor. Thermal interface material (preapplied attached to the bottom of the heatsink) provides effective heat transfer from the processor to the fan heatsink."
http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/rese...eng/299986.htm

[RicheemxX]

There is a lot of difference between "preapplied" and doesn't require. You've got it already so that means obviously you didn't need to add any, that doesn't mean it doesn't require it.

I've ran a couple athlon cpu's short term w/o any at all, w/o issues. The temps where a little high but nothing that would cause problems. However I would recommend it simply adding some AS3 cut temps in those case by a fairly good amount.

[Patrick]

I consider "thermal paste" and "thermal interface material" to be two different things. One is a paste that is squeezed from a little tube and applied, frequently too generously, to the heatsink. The "thermal interface material" appears to be metal. I suspect putting paste on this metal would not be a good idea.

[Atomic Rooster]

The pre-applied "thermal interface material" referred to in that document is "thermal paste". There are many different types and consistencies. The stuff that is factory applied tends to be thicker than the typical store bought "tube" of thermal paste.

[RamonGTP]

Originally Posted by Patrick

I consider "thermal paste" and "thermal interface material" to be two different things. One is a paste that is squeezed from a little tube and applied, frequently too generously, to the heatsink. The "thermal interface material" appears to be metal. I suspect putting paste on this metal would not be a good idea.

Since when is a waxy substance considered metal?

You're right about one thing, you aren't suppose to put paste on it. If you use another compound you're suppose to remove the one that is pre-applied.