Remove grease before compound?

[DJ39]

When removing my HSF to unlock my Duron, the grease seal broke. Now my temps are 5 or more degrees higher before overclocking.

I know I need to buy some silver thermal compound from CompUSA, but my question is: I need to scrape all the grease off of the HS before applying the compound, right?

Also, are all retaining clips as hard to remove as the one for a CoolerMaster HSF? I had to carefully use two screwdrivers to get it off.

 

[Aesik]

Definitely remove the old grease and clean the processor and heatsink with alcohol.

Not all heatsinks are that hard to remove. That type of clip is one of the worst though.

 

[Derevirn]

As Aesik said you can easily remove the old grease by using some alcohol .

 

[tft]

use rubbing alcohol with a cotton ball

 

[Colin]

DJ39 - What you describe is a thermal pad. If alcohol does not remove all of it, you may want to try some Goof Off followed by alcohol. Since the thermal pad has been melted into the HS, the only way to remove the residue for best performance, is to lap the heatsink. For more information on why, see Thermal Interface Basics.

As one forum member looking out for another member, you may want to look at this thread before buying "silver" compound from Comp USA.

 

[DJ39]

"lap" the HS? What do you mean "lap"?

Thank you. I did read the links you provided. I will avoid the CompUSA brand.

I noticed that the RadioShack brand was not too much worse than the Arctic Silver. If I can't find the Arctic Silver locally, do you think the Radio Shack brand would be acceptable?

Its not that Im in a rush, I just have limited financial resources.

 

[DJ39]

I read about lapping in another post, so I know what it is.

I won't lap the CPU too though. I dont feel comfortable about subjecting a delicate $60 component to harsh treatment. Cleaning it off with alcohol is the most I'll do.

Thank you, all, for your responses.

 

[IFMU]

No most people dont lap their cpu. Some might, but most agree with you and its to risky there. Do lap the HS and just clean the die off real well and you should be ok.

 

[cooldude222]

Newbie questions

Do you apply the thermal grease to the entire top of the chip or just the center? Also, I am buying the Athlon XP 1800 Retail from newegg, does that come with thermal grease or do I have to buy my own? I was just going to buy the Arctic Silver stuff for $6.00. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[mustangman]

Re: Newbie questions

Do you apply the thermal grease to the entire top of the chip or just the center? Also, I am buying the Athlon XP 1800 Retail from newegg, does that come with thermal grease or do I have to buy my own? I was just going to buy the Arctic Silver stuff for $6.00. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Tim

Only apply the thermal compound to the center of the cpu, the metal die, you only need a thin coat.
The last retail cpu I bought came with compound and as far as I know always do (I normally get oem's.) Go with the artic silver if you plan on overclocking.