By: Brad V (IP: 128.186.12.*)
Written on: 15-03-2006 23:44
To clean thermal paste from a heatsink and the CPU diode:
1) Wipe with a dry paper towel until it is almost clean
2) Wipe with a paper & isopropyl alcohol until clean.
3) Allow 2-3 mins to completely dry.
4) Reapply thermal paste to the CPU diode only. Use about a "half a grain of rice" sized. When the heatsink is applied the thermal paste will spread nicely to fill the gap between the heatsink and the CPU.
Depending on what kind of CPU you have, the heat is generally produced in the center of the diode, so it is okay if the thermal past does not cover the very edges of the diode. With the heatsink sucking the heat from the middle, the edge will not be of any real concern. |
By: SteveH (IP: 82.33.170.*)
Written on: 18-03-2006 19:43
I have put a bit too much paste between my heatsink and cpu. I am thinking that this may be the cause of the slightly high temp in idle. 48c and 55c when tasking. It is an Athlon XP 3000+/ If it is touching the surrounding capacitors and alike on the chip. |
By: Bill_B (IP: 68.110.24.*)
Written on: 03-04-2006 22:33
I agree with the 1/2 grain of rice (you can always add more - but as you see, it is a bit of a pain (but necessary) to remove. Remember, your goal is to fill the microscopic pits and valleys on the mating surfaces; any excess is just in the way!
What I do is:
Materials Needed:
1. Plastic Q-Tip (cotton swap) (do not use wood or paper shaft swaps)
2. Acetone or 91% Isopropyl alcohol (I use 91% because the normal 70% leaves a residue)
3. Lint free cloth (100% cotton handkerchief works great)
4. Can of compressed air
Procedure:
WARNING - Ensure PC is powered down AND unplugged before starting.
WARNING - Ensure you discharge yourself before and frequently during the process to prevent any damage to ESD sensitive devices.
1. Cut off the end of the Q-Tip
2. Bend cut end about 1/2 inch down to make an applicator in the shape of a hockey stick
3. Clean applicator with lint free cloth and alcohol to remove any cotton fuzz and finger oils
5. Clean die with lint-free cloth and alcohol
6. Clean heatsink with lint-free cloth and alcohol
The next steps should be done in rapid succession to minimize any dust, dander, fuzz, eyelashes, etc. falling onto die.
7. Blast die with compressed air
8. Dab a very small drop of paste on the die
9. Spread paste with applicator, like icing a cake, thin and smooth as possible, with no bare spots.
10. Turn away from die and blast heatsink with compressed air
11. Attach heatsink
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