Solved Computer Build - Should I Add Thermal Paste to HeatSink?

[hcour]

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.

 

[Faladu]

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.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

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

 

[Layback Bear]

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.

 

[jimbo45]

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

 

[hcour]

Ok, thanks. A dollop it shall be.