Question about thermol compound..

[ArAgOrN]

This is my first self-built computer so humor me :) I just got my

AMD Athlon 1.2 GHz CPU today. Now what is the best compound

to use? Also correct me if I'm wrong but I apply it to the cpu

socket right? Just one more thing should I be afraid to touch my

cpu when installing it? I know all about the static electricity and

how it can damage computer components. Thanks

Aragorn

[Jon]

Arctic Silver II is probably the best thermal compound on the market. It is applied in a VERY thin layer to the CPU core...not the socket.

Almost forgot. You don't really need to be afraid to touch the CPU. Normal handling will be fine. Just don't bend the pins and be careful of the core. AMD cores are very fragile although normal handling you don't risk any damage to it.

Good luck and let us know how everything goes...

[Wa11y]

Just make sure you're properly grounded before you touch your CPU. I usually drap an arm over my computer case. Allows me to be lazy while I'm working.

I don't know about Arctic Silver being "the best." I swapped it for Radio Shack heat sink compound, and didn't see any difference in temp. And the radio shack stuff is $2 a tube, wheras arctic silver is about $8. So if you can get some AS, do it. If not, the Radio Shack stuff should work just fine.

And yeah, what Jon said about applying it. To the die (that little metal square in the middle of the actual CPU), not on the socket. And a thin layer is all that's needed.

[ArAgOrN]

I wish I could go to raido shack. anything i get i have to buy off

the internet. I'm in the U.S. Army in Germany. and I don't know of

and shops localy. Thats the bad part :) Also one more thing on

my heat sink there is a sticker looking thing is that thermal tape?

do i need thermal compound?

thanks Aragorn

[!-=sky=-!]

get rid of that pad immediately....it's crap

anyways.....just order some artic silve 2.....it's good.....at least from what i read about.....i cant afford it myself since they cost too much local

[chawken]

Originally posted by ArAgOrN
I wish I could go to raido shack. anything i get i have to buy off

the internet. I'm in the U.S. Army in Germany. and I don't know of

and shops localy. Thats the bad part :) Also one more thing on

my heat sink there is a sticker looking thing is that thermal tape?

do i need thermal compound?

thanks Aragorn

I would take that tape off, clean the compound off of it. Artic Silver II is about the best that there is. I have dozens of PC's and of all the compounds, Artic Silver II did the best job.
A little trick, when handling your CPU, put one hand on your case's power supply - that will ground you.
Do not apply any grease to the socket - only a thin layer to the CPU core, the square die in the middle of your CPU with the writing on it.