Computer Build - Should I Add Thermal Paste to HeatSink?


  1. Posts : 88
    Windows 7
       #1

    Computer Build - Should I Add Thermal Paste to HeatSink?


    I have a new Core i5. I noticed the heatsink already has 3 lines of paste on it. Not realizing it would already have paste I had bought some Artic Cooling MX2 paste. Should I add a dollop of this also or would that be overkill? Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,269
    Windows 7 Ultimate Retail Box (64-bit installed) + Service Pack 1
       #2

    I would remove their's and put the MX2 on it given the choice.

    You have the proper cleaning products?

    This: [exactly what I use]

    Arctic Silver Arcticlean Thermal material Remover & Surface Purifier ACN-60ML (2-PC-SET) - OEM - Newegg.com

    I spread it on the CPU evenly then put the heatsink/fan on top.

    If you don't have the cleaning stuff, I would just go with the heatsink's.... I hope that's a 3rd party heatsink.

    Artic MX4'd my recent FX-8350 and it's so cool, it's never spiked anything near troublesome so far.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 21,004
    Desk1 7 Home Prem / Desk2 10 Pro / Main lap Asus ROG 10 Pro 2 laptop Toshiba 7 Pro Asus P2520 7 & 10
       #3

    Yep I use the same cleaner as Faladu (brilliant stuff) and Arctic Silver or the Noctua NT-H1 compound.

    I spread a thin coat (witha piece of old credit card or glue spreading spatula) on each surface and then a tiny drip in the centre of the heatsink to"bleed" out:)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 25,847
    Windows 10 Pro. 64/ version 1709 Windows 7 Pro/64
       #4

    ICit2lol said:
    Yep I use the same cleaner as Faladu (brilliant stuff) and Arctic Silver or the Noctua NT-H1 compound.

    I spread a thin coat (witha piece of old credit card or glue spreading spatula) on each surface and then a tiny drip in the centre of the heatsink to"bleed" out:)
    The same here. Same method. I'm not saying that the compound that comes with the cooler isn't any good. I'm saying I don't know how good it is so I replace it.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 5,941
    Linux CENTOS 7 / various Windows OS'es and servers
       #5

    hcour said:
    I have a new Core i5. I noticed the heatsink already has 3 lines of paste on it. Not realizing it would already have paste I had bought some Artic Cooling MX2 paste. Should I add a dollop of this also or would that be overkill? Thanks.
    Hi there
    It's NOT overkill.

    A Heatsink's purpose is to REMOVE as much heat as possible -- if your paste removes more as well then go for it.

    If your's is BETTER or more efficient than the paste already on the heatsink then it might be worth while removing the original - but I wouldn't bother. An extra dollop won't cause any harm. The more heat you can get rid of the better -- but there comes a law of diminishing returns so don't put LOADS of extra paste on it.

    Cheers
    jimbo
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 88
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Ok, thanks. A dollop it shall be.
      My Computer


 

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