Arctic Silver II

[PhatKirby]

How do you guys like to apply arctic silver II?
I read the instructions on the web site and it says to apply it to the processor. I read some postings on other webpages and find that most people apply it to the heatsink. I'd just like to know if there's a difference in difficulty? and if there's any way you guys would prefer to do it.

[flounder43]

I put a thin, even layer on the cpu core. It works for me.

[RainMaQer]

whenever I apply a compound I put it on the proc... it seems like a little more work to figure out where the proc and hs meet just to put it on the hs... applying it to the proc (dead center) just seems to be too easy not to.:p

[Diggrr]

When I put on a new waterblock, I testfit with some goo. I remove it, lightly scratch an outline of the processors mark with a 1/16th gap. From then on, I know exactly where to put the goo, and I can do it outside the box.

[The Overclocker]

the website says to apply a small ammount to the heatsink as well.

[Rick G]

I think the AS II instructions suggest rubbing a small amount on the heatsink, but wiping it off...mostly to fill any surface voids. They suggest the thin layer on the cpu...no need for more where the slug doesn't contact the HS.

[PhatKirby]

Ok, so I put some ASII on the core of the CPU, then put the CPU into the mobo. Put a little bit onto the HS, wipe it off, then mount the HSF onto the processor?


What should I use to wipe off the AS? I'm guessing tissues will leave small particles..

Also, can I use plastic wrap to wrap my finger and then smooth out the ASII that way on the processor? What should I use to get the ASII to be a thin layer on the processor?

Just got my parts today. I'm hoping to put it together either tonight or tomorrow.

[Yodums]

OK I'll explain you my method.

Push lil by lil some artic silver onto the heatsink. Then with a razor blade or something take a little artic silver off the heatsink and then start spreading it on the core take lil dabs until you fill the core with a thin layer. Note: Be very patient when spreading especially with AMD's since they have bridges and if you slip you will crash and burn and probably kill the chip not knowing you have slipped some ASII onto the bridges and it will link somethings together and short circuit it.

Anyways then you take a plastic bag rub the artic silver on the heatsink in all directions, figure 8's, left to right etc.

You should spend at least 2 mins rubbing it because you will want to fill all the gaps(scratches in the heatsink) and if you rush it you will regret it and you end up doing it again so do it once and do it right and you can take some stress off your shoulders.

Then put the heatsink on.

So there are very easy steps I'll compress them again.
Lil dabs on the heatsink.
Take little by little off the heatsink flatten it on the core with a blade until you get a thin coat.
Rub for 2mins on the heatsink in all directions.

Put on heatsink.

Voila.

Happy Holidays

[Yodums]

By the way you should wipe it off with those clear plastic bags that you find at grocery stores that you put apples in.

And I forgot before you apply everything clean the core CAREFULLY and the heatsink with alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

[PhatKirby]

Tsunami, if possible, can you attach a picture of where the bridges are? Where on the core should I have the ASII covering?
If you cannot attach a picture, please describe in detail.
When you mentioned that I can short-circuit my 300 dollar processor, I suddenly got nervous.

Also, can I use plastic wrap, wrapped around my finger to spread the ASII on the HSF and/or processor?

[Sonny]

Originally posted by PhatKirby
Also, can I use plastic wrap, wrapped around my finger to spread the ASII on the HSF and/or processor? Best idea I've read so far in this thread. Well maybe use a thicker plastic bag so that it will not tear. Do the heatsink base first then the CPU. What you have left on your finger, wrapped with plastic, should be enough for the CPU. Do you see that raised rectangular slug on the CPU? That is the only part that needs ASII.

Did you check if the base of the HSF is totally flat? You might need to lapp it if it aint flat. That's another thing that you need to watch out for.

[Diggrr]

I happen to have a picture handy.

Use the ASII in the green area only, if you get it in the red areas, take some time to clean it well. And never squeeze it out of the tube over the processor, gravity will work against you.