Changing Heatsink/Fan

[nffc]

Just bought a new [quiet] heatsink/fan unit, mainly because my old one's a bit loud and covered with dust

So do I just need to remove the old one, clean the CPU with that stuff you can get, and then fit the new one?

Do you need any special cloths or owt to clean the CPU with, as well as that solution stuff... or anything else I've forgotten...

[Paul K]

If you clean the old paste off the CPU only clean the area that the old paste is on, do not clean the entire surface. After that just apply the correct amount of thermal paste and fit the fan as per instructions.

[nffc]

There's a pad on the HSF so applying won't be a problem.

It's just removing it. Obviously I need some paste cleaner or whatever it's called, but I'm just not sure if I need to wipe it off, and what to use from an electrostatic point of view- it's only a 2000+ but i still don't want to ruin it

[Halcyon]

If there is still the old thermal pad that came with the heatsink, it is worth completly scraping it off if you are going to be using a better thermal solution.
I've always been told not to have both.

[nffc]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

If there is still the old thermal pad that came with the heatsink, it is worth completly scraping it off if you are going to be using a better thermal solution.
I've always been told not to have both.

should be happy enough with what's on there, besides arctic silver is just so messy.

it's just cleaning the cpu, i have a decent idea, but i'm just checking.

[nffc]

So, am I thinking right?

you need to completely remove all traces of previous thermal compounds, whether they were pads, grease or whatever, before applying any new one.

the cpu should have a thin, even, smear of thermal compound, only on the 'core'.

the heatsink should have been prepared by rubbing in some thermal compound with a 'lint free' cloth, then rubbing it off, with the same.

Bringing together the heatsink/fan assembly & cpu should be a single operation - lateral movement should be avoided, the aim is to embed the heatsink in the compound on the cpu core, such that maximum thermal contact is achieved.

deep breath - flat head screwdriver - click

[nffc]

so do i need both the removal solution and a "lint free" cloth then. [that would make sense]

[i fitted the old one... like this one, it has a pre-applied pad of thermal ooze on the heatsink...]

Originally Posted by nffc

so do i need both the removal solution and a "lint free" cloth then. [that would make sense]

[i fitted the old one... like this one, it has a pre-applied pad of thermal ooze on the heatsink...]

ah, ok you have a pre-applied 'thermal solution' on the heat sink - in this case it it up to you, if the cpu core is clean, then the pre-applied gunk is just the right thickness for you, that helps a lot.

- on the other hand 'better' thermal compounds are available - they shouldn't be 'messy'

like I say, up to you, removal solution would be isopropanol (iso-propyl alcohol) and any glasses cleaning cloth should be 'lint free'

[nffc]

Originally Posted by homealone

ah, ok you have a pre-applied 'thermal solution' on the heat sink - in this case it it up to you, if the cpu core is clean, then the pre-applied gunk is just the right thickness for you, that helps a lot.

- on the other hand 'better' thermal compounds are available - they shouldn't be 'messy'

like I say, up to you, removal solution would be isopropanol (iso-propyl alcohol) and any glasses cleaning cloth should be 'lint free'

can't rep you again... suppose I'll have to see what the die's like when i yank off the old one.

Probably do it good to clean the thing anyway. can't be bothered with the grease stuff, it's too messy.

[bmxbandit]

Originally Posted by homealone

'better' thermal compounds are available - they shouldn't be 'messy'

you kidding? the one time i got a speck of arctic silver on my desk, everything i tried to remove it just made it spread out, until it covered the whole room!*

it is messy stuff if you're as clumsy as me...

*blatant exaggeration

[nffc]

Well it seems to be working, it's cooler and quieter, so that's a bonus.

Cheers guys... reps all round if I haven't already.

[Matth]

2000+ ... Sounds like an AMD Athlon.

Take care not to damage the steadying pads.

Another advantage of THICK phase change goop on an AMD heatsink, it helps to minimise the risk of cracking/chipping the core - and the surplus just disappears like magic!

With a thin paste, you have to be a lot more careful.

And finally, with heatsinks the need the clips screwdrivered on and off, watch out for the motherboard - if it's awkward, there's no alternative but to disassemble to the point you can remove the motherboard tray, or maybe take the PSU out if the motherboard is not on a removable tray.

[Bifta]

Tip: (for future reference) to clean off thermal compound, use nail varnish remover.

[danielf]

Originally Posted by Bifta

Tip: (for future reference) to clean off thermal compound, use nail varnish remover.

Get an avatar mate Welcome back