Thermal paste + GPU = Wise?

[Dj SharK]

I'm having a little heat issues with my GPU (and processor too but that's a different thing). I just got myself Arctic Silver 5 a couple hours ago. I've seen numerous videos on YouTube on applying AS5 on the processor as i've never done this before.

So my questions;
1. Is it wise to add thermal paste to my graphic card? It's not particularly new or a great card though ( EN8500GT 512MB - Attached). Currently, it's 80C and i have Winamp and firefox open (with my AV and a few other background programs). Some people say it's fine to do it and some say it's not. What do you think?

2. Since we're in the topic of applying AS5, i'm looking to replace my processor paste with a fresh coat. Question is, what is the best way? I've seen those methods where they apply a line and use a card to spread it (making a thin layer), i've also seen those that apply a small amount at the middle of the processor and placing the heatsink over it, etc. What is the best way that would be very effective though?

This would be my first time applying thermal paste so i want to do it the right way.


Thanks for your time!

 

[Dwarf]

The following articles should help. They are written mainly for CPUs, but the same principles also apply to GPUs.

Thermal Paste and How To Use It

Guide - How TIM Works & How To Apply It Correctly | bit-tech.net

NgTechnik.com How-To: Applying Thermal Interface Material

 

[bobkn]

I'm having a little heat issues with my GPU (and processor too but that's a different thing). I just got myself Arctic Silver 5 a couple hours ago. I've seen numerous videos on YouTube on applying AS5 on the processor as i've never done this before.

So my questions;
1. Is it wise to add thermal paste to my graphic card? It's not particularly new or a great card though ( EN8500GT 512MB - Attached). Currently, it's 80C and i have Winamp and firefox open (with my AV and a few other background programs). Some people say it's fine to do it and some say it's not. What do you think?

2. Since we're in the topic of applying AS5, i'm looking to replace my processor paste with a fresh coat. Question is, what is the best way? I've seen those methods where they apply a line and use a card to spread it (making a thin layer), i've also seen those that apply a small amount at the middle of the processor and placing the heatsink over it, etc. What is the best way that would be very effective though?

This would be my first time applying thermal paste so i want to do it the right way.


Thanks for your time!

I suggest following the instructions at the Arctic Silver web site:

Arctic Silver Incorporated - Home#

A little care may be required. While AS is supposed to be nonconductive, it isn't a dielectric paste and it may cause capacitive coupling if it's slopped around too much over electrical conductors.

If you work on your graphics card, one thing to watch out for: the heatsink often is used to cool the memory chips as well as the graphics processor. In all the cards I've seen, the thermal interface to the RAM was thickish thermal pads rather than thin heatsink compound. AS5 isn't suitable for bridging the gap. If you wish to replace the thermal compound on the GPU, either avoid damaging the pads on the RAM, or have new thermal pads available.

 

[Dj SharK]

Thanks for the response! I will be sure to read through all the links to get a better picture.

Rep'ed.

 

[pebbly]

Dj Shark, also make sure you have adequate ventilation , a good airflow around the gpu and cpu is a must, clean the fans ,tidy up the cabling make certain nothing is restricting airflow

 

[madtownidiot]

Thermal paste or not, GPUs with a shallow heatsink like that usually fail prematurely due to excessive heat, especially if you were to try to use it for gaming. The best thing you could to protect it is to install an 80MM cooling fan. I remove the heat sink and use a drill press and a tap and die set to install screw mounts but a little hot glue in the right places will hold it in place if you don't have the tools