Remove black thermal pad?????

[Optimus2575]

I have a pair of heatsinks with the black thermal pad on the bottom. I will be putting these on a pair of P3 850s that I plan to do a little OCing with:)
My question is, do I need to remove the black thermal pads? These HSFs wont come off the CPUs unless I need to replace a CPU. So should I remove them or leave them on?

[VecchK]

Unless you're using ThermoSonic ThermoEngines, Artic Silver 2 will perform better then the thermal pad. If you plan on never removing the heatsinks then you don't need to use AS2 and can use the pad, but if you want to overclock you'll want maximum performance. Get a razor blade and remove the black pad. Be careful not to scrape the heatsink bottom. Then apply a thin layer of AS2 and you're all set to go.

[Thelemac]

Right...ditch the pads...don't *EVER* use them. However, don't be using the hsf until you get some thermal goop for them.

To remove the pads clean the bottom of the heatsinks with some acetone, or better yet, lap it. Chances are it could really use it.

[Nate-X]

Cool.. I'll need to get the thermal pad off the heatsink I'm getting next week so was wondering the best way to get if off there since I'm gettin a tub of AS2.. What is lapping btw?

[-=UR=- Ranger]

Lapping means grinding the base of your HS with fine grit Sandpaper. I started with 200 wet, and ended with 600 wet.
There are some people here who swear on a mirror finish of the base, but IMO thats not real effective, as the thermal paste won´t stick to the base very wel when it´s too smooth.
But that´s only my opinion. Just care that the base is real flat and smooth.
I used some pice of glass, wet sandpaper, and 1 hour of spare time. Grind in a figure 8 patern to insure, that the base is lapped equally on all sides.
For the finish I used some soap on the wet sandpaper to make it even smoother.
Hope that helps!

[Nate-X]

What are those 4 lil circular pad things on the cpu? =/

[Wa11y]

Originally posted by Nate-X
What are those 4 lil circular pad things on the cpu? =/

Those are pads that make the HSF go on level so it doesn't crack the core.

[Nate-X]

oh... i feel dumb now..

[Nate-X]

oh... i feel dumb now..