Windows 7: Thermal paste, not another applying question..

Hey everyone!

My first time changing a CPU cooler and I got a few questions besides the application procedure, the questions:



1. Does the paste need to harden before turning on the computer? If yes, how long?
2. How do you know if bubbles develops? Temp spikes?
3. Can I start OC'ing right away, or does the CPU need to stay under a surten temp for x amount of days?
4. Is the only reason for doing this to get full contact between CPU and cooler?

The paste I'm going to use is the one that comes with the Prolimatech megahalems I ordered.
And that's pretty much it..

Michael

#4 is spot on. It's to smooth out any rough surface areas between the CPU and the cooler where their might be microscopic differences in height.

So, apply your paste and you can immediately get to using your machine.

another thing to be aware of is the thermal paste takes a while " to come in to its own" with a lot of heating and cooling cycles before you get stable temps

The paste needs to stay "wet". It it dries out, that's when you need to clean it off and reapply.

Bubbles don't really develop unless you apply too much, and yea temps would be higher if there was too much. The "set in" period of the paste, depending on the paste you used, ranges from a couple of days to a week.

You can start overclocking right away, the temps will gradually drop slightly during the set in period, but during this period you're still free to go about normally with it.

And yea, you're correct with number 4.

Just remember you only need a little bit just enough to fully cover the CPU with a very thin layer. To much is not good. And if using a paste that is conductive make sure you don't get it on anything other than just the back of your cpu. Fabe

The response time and knowledge on this forum continues to amaze me
Thank you all!

Speaking from all of us your very welcome, and thanks for the kind words.Fabe