How should i apply thermal compound for megahalem? - Overclock.net

JorgyBaby · 09-20-09

I just wondered what you guys thought would be the best way of applying the thermal paste on my cpu for the megahalem. It should arrive any time soon and just wanted to know in advance. I have the OCZ Freeze thermal paste, if that makes any difference on how to apply.

Im just asking this as ive never done it before as i just used the pre-applied one on my stock cpu cooler, until i finally got around buying an aftermarket cooler.

Thanks in advance

**Juggalo23451** · 09-20-09

just put about the size of a grain of rice in the cpu on the middle then put on the cooler
AS per instructions

Quote:

OCZ Freeze is one of the most sophisticated new thermal compounds on the market. The manner in which it is applied is important and differs depending on the kind of processor you are using. Before starting please ensure the following safety instructions are followed:

- Although OCZ Freeze is non-toxic, avoid contact with eyes and mouth. If contact should occur, wash thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation should follow.

- Never turn on your PC without a cooler installed, even for a second

- Never install a cooler without thermal paste

- Unlike silver-based compounds, OCZ Freeze requires no curing time and is non-electrically conductive. Optimal results will be achieved after application.

Installation using Intel LGA 775, 1366 (i7), Socket 478 or AMD Athlon 64, Opteron or Phenom processor:

NO SPREARDING IS NECESSARY!

1. Place a small amount of Freeze (roughly the size of a grain of rice) on the center of the IHS.

2. Lower the CPU cooler directly down onto the CPU to minimize smearing, and push it gently into place (no spreading required).

3. If necessary, the CPU cooler can be wiggled slightly to facilitate the initial spreading of the thermal compound.

It may appear that only a fraction of the heat spreader has paste installed, but the cooler will squeeze the paste out to the appropriate width over time.

The presence of an Integrated Heatspreader (IHS) on the CPU greatly facilitates the application of the thermal compound. This method minimizes the chances of air bubbles and eliminates insufficient contact in the die area because of unwanted build-up in the periphery. Spreading compound over the entire heat spreader will simply result in a less even, thicker spread, leading to less heat transfer.

Legacy Applications - Installation using an AMD Athlon XP, Thunderbird or Pentium III style processor:

Note:Thermal paste is designed purely to optimize surface area contact by filling microscopic holes and scratches rather than establishing an additional interface layer. The thicker the paste is, the less effective the contact will be. An exception is when using a cooler with a very coarse surface, achieving proper contact may require a slightly higher amount of thermal paste.

1. Clean the CPU core and cooler with isopropyl alcohol, acetone or charcoal lighter fluid using a cloth that leaves no material residue. If a thermal pad was previously used, make sure it has been completely removed. Charcoal lighter fluid will dissolve most thermal pads completely, and eliminates the need for mechanical scraping of the CPU surface.

2. Clean the underside of the cooler until it is free of any residue of previous paste or thermal pad.

3. Place a small amount of thermal compound on the die (core) of your processor, and spread it until it is completely even using a straight edge such as a credit card or the blunt side of a knife. The layer of thermal compound applied to the core of the CPU should be as thin as possible while remaining completely opaque.

4. Carefully install the cooler to minimize the amount the cooler slides around on the core.

5. If you smear too much paste off the chip, remove it and re-apply thermal paste to retain a smooth finish.

goobergump · 09-20-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juggalo23451

just put about the size of a grain of rice in the cpu on the middle then put on the cooler

This, but if it's possible rotate the cooler once, left to right a couple degrees after it's in place (NOT after it's locked).

**Juggalo23451** · 09-20-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by goobergump

This, but if it's possible rotate the cooler once, left to right a couple degrees after it's in place (NOT after it's locked).

you are not suppose to rotate the cooler at all.
EDIT Ah I see what you mean

Quote:

3. If necessary, the CPU cooler can be wiggled slightly to facilitate the initial spreading of the thermal compound.

goobergump · 09-20-09

Ehh, I guess thermal compound mounting processes can vary

AS5 tells me to rotate mine.

JorgyBaby · 09-20-09

Ok, thanks for the help. I was also just going to ask what i should use to get rid of the old one, but you already told me

so, should i rotate a little or not? Some say yes, some say no?

Thanks, +rep

That_guy3 · 09-20-09

Watch this video so you can get the best idea.

Google and youtube are you friend.
Good luck man its easy.

There are 2 different ways people do it.

1. Would be put a grain of rice sized in the center than put on the heatsink which in theory will spead the paste out.
2 spead it out with your finger (ensuring not to get any on the board. or use a credit card or a plastic glove.

YouTube - How to install Arctic Silver 5 (thermal paste)

**Juggalo23451** · 09-20-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by JorgyBaby

Ok, thanks for the help. I was also just going to ask what i should use to get rid of the old one, but you already told me

so, should i rotate a little or not? Some say yes, some say no?

Thanks, +rep

wiggle not rotate

JorgyBaby · 09-20-09

Ok, thanks for the help everyone

T3h_Ch33z_Muncha · 09-20-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by That_guy3

Watch this video so you can get the best idea.

Google and youtube are you friend.
Good luck man its easy.

There are 2 different ways people do it.

1. Would be put a grain of rice sized in the center than put on the heatsink which in theory will spead the paste out.
2 spead it out with your finger (ensuring not to get any on the board. or use a credit card or a plastic glove.
YouTube - How to install Arctic Silver 5 (thermal paste)

Do not EVER touch a CPU IHS, Heatsink base, or TIM with your finger. The oils on your finger is epic fail for performance.

There is no need to spread it. Let the pressure of the heatsink and CPU spread the TIM to where it's most needed for optimal conductivity.

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How should i apply thermal compound for megahalem?

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