Thermal Compound?

[Scotsman]

I just got a 1.4GHz T-Birb with a ThermoEngine V60 Heatsink and fan. It came with cooler master thermal compond. I have read that artic silver 2 is the best, should i order some of that and wait a couple of days before i install my new CPU? or Use the stuff that came with it?

[VecchK]

I would definatly use AS2 if you're gonna overclock. The other goop is probably good enough to use in the meantime.

[el]

yeah you will be fine with teh pad but check out AS at www.articsilver.com

[Scotsman]

will it be safe for my CPU if i use the thermal pad which came with the heat sink for a couple of days untill my AS2 arrives? I wont overclock till i get the AS.

[chawken]

Originally posted by Scotsman
will it be safe for my CPU if i use the thermal pad which came with the heat sink for a couple of days untill my AS2 arrives? I wont overclock till i get the AS.

I will be fine. Make sure that you get it cleaned off good before you apply the AS2. The white goop usually cleans off fairly easily with rubbing alcohol.

[Colin]

DON'T use the pad if you are going to use Arctic Silver. Once you melt that pad into the HSF and CPU you will NEVER get it out without lapping your HS and CPU die. Read this. (http://www.arcticsilver.com/thermal_interface_basics.htm)

[VecchK]

I have a ThermoEngine and used the pad that came with it. When I switched over to Artic Silver I used 90% rubbing alcohol and the stuff couldn't fall off faster. Lapping isn't necessary.

[Colin]

VecchK, please don't take this personally but rubbing alcohol will not remove the residue from the thermal pad. Take a look at the link I posted. The microscopic surface imperfections in the HS will still be filled with the thermal pad. Thats where you want the Arctic Silver. Trying to clean the thermal pad out of the microscopic surface variations with alcohol and a Q-Tip is like trying to clean a waffle iron with a 4 inch diameter rope.

Bottom line, if you want the best performance, clean the thermal pad off before using it. Once it is heated and goes through the phase change, the only way to remove it is by lapping.

[VecchK]

Herm. Maybe you're right. In any case, I just ordered a MC462A to go with my new CPU so I'm ditching the thermoengine soon anyway.

[Colin]

Trust me, I know I'm correct on this. Good move on the Swiftech. It would be my first choice in a HSF.