quentin

What's the proper way to apply AS5 onto a gpu? Do it just like you would a cpu? Do you spread it the old school way of a paper thin layer to the point of transparency? Or do you just blob a clump in the center then lower the waterblock on?

I'm planning on using a GTX 275 or GTX 285 with the Swiftech MCW60-R2 GPU Waterblock and the Swiftech GTX200 Full-Cover Heatsink. Another question, is this the best waterblock/cover to use with a 285/275? It's relatively inexpensive (around 85 bucks for the waterblock and cover). And I heard that full-cover waterblocks are bad for pressure drops...Help me out please!

tipsycoma

You're better off using Arctic Silver Ceramique. It's non conductive non capacitive so it's more suited for GPUs. AS5 must be used with extreme caution, and it's easier to mess up TIM application on a GPU than it is on a CPU.

Go with ASC for a GPU.

quentin

Ok, I'll use that! But how do I apply it? The guide on Arctic Silver doesn't have any support for GPUs. How much do I need and should I spread it myself or just put a dab in the middle?

tipsycoma

A little tiny tiny dap would work. I wouldn't try to spread the ceramique yourself. It'd be a mess. Just place the heatsink on the little dab and twist it a little bit from side to side while pressing down mildly. That should do it.

Murderous Moppet

There are many better non-conductive and non-capacitive alternatives to Ceramique, most will recommend OCZ Freeze, but I've been using MX-2 for a while and it suits my tastes nicely. There are a gizmillion threads about the "best" thermal paste around here you can check out by the way.

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tipsycoma

By what margin? Are you comparing temperatures? I think Ceramique is great. It's cheap and efficient. And for not being metal-based, it transfers heat wonderfully. I've used Ceramique and AS5 on my CPU and noticed a 1 C decrease by using AS5.

But yes, OCZ freeze is also good. It's a bit more pricey I believe.

DuckieHo

For exposed die, you need to spread the TIM. For GPUs with an IHS, then the pea method works.

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quentin

I've read on Artic Silver's site that neither the AS5 nor the Ceramique are conductive. So what's that mean? As long as I don't shoot AS5 all over my GPU, I should be alright? How much of a chance is there that something might go wrong if I use AS5 on my GPU?

Rewindlabs

AS5 works fine just be careful...i did a crap job on my first apply so im re doing it as we speak...

If i don't come back tonight take that as the result

My 4850 is burning up...

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Socom

Let me break it down for you:
AS5=Arctic Silver 5; Silver=Metal; Metal=Conductive; Conductive=Dead GPU. There could be a big problem if you don't do it right. Just spend an extra few bucks on the ASC, and save yourself a gpu.

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