Windows 7 - Query concerning Heatsink

Hi all,

I'm having to replace my heatsink bracket as the clip (which fastens the heatsink) broke. Weird as I'm unsure why but it pinged off. I've ordered a new one though.

In the meantime I want to pick the collective mids on here. I've a Foxconn A7VMX-K motherboard with an AMD Phenom x3 8600 processor. The heatsink is a generic Cooler Master one.

They say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and perhaps I'm guilty of it. I've stumbled across articles on thermal grease and thermal pads and I'm a bit concerned. The metal pad upon which the heatsink sits resembles flattened and dried chewing gum, albiet very thin (it's not gummy and thick but there isn't what I'd describe as 'grease' either).

I don't want to refit the heatsink only to miss something I should have done. Is this state of affairs natural.

Also - in the lead up to the big 'ping' mid way through a couple of games the pc would occasionally have a black screen, or one with thin vertical lines (like a pinstripe). Would this be related to an overheating processor in any way?

as ever grateful for any advice.

How to Remove and Apply Thermal Compound [Updated Tutorial] - YouTube

Here is another one that may help.

thanks for both the links. Are you saying that this is needed? I can't see the videos as I'm at work!!

ta again though.

I'm not sure what you mean by this is needed. If you are asking if cleaning the old thermal paste, the answer is definitely yes. The CPU and heatsink must be perfectly clean. There are several ways to apply new thermal paste. Most are OK. The videos show 2 different ways, both are OK. But remember less is better than more.

Yes, most people I would think would highly recommend putting fresh thermal compound on after cleaning the old stuff off. A nice thin layer is all you need. Better safe than sorry. Heat, or in this case, overheating is the enemy of a stable reliable system.

excellent - I'll get the marigolds on!

Yes, if the compund was completely dried, it means air was getting to it, and there wasn't a proper seal between the processor and the HSF. I'd clean it up with isopropyl alcohol and reapply new thermal paste.

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