CPU & thermal compound

hm drop about a pea size of it in the center, then (i wouldnt recommend if you've never spread before) use a razor to gently spread out the thermal.

Edited by Kyu - 03 Dec 2009 at 7:19pm

I'm not using any coumpound yet.  I am just asking for future reference if I feel the need to switch my CPU cooler.  Basically I'm a noob trying to take my time and do a bit of research before I just dive in on stuff. 

Edited by AndydViking - 03 Dec 2009 at 7:42pm

MX2 is very easy to use, and has very good results.. There are some pastes that get better temps, but they are very thick and harder to get a good mount.. For a first timer I would highly recomend MX2

Edited by justin.kerr - 03 Dec 2009 at 8:03pm

Thanks guys this is good info.  Do you think it's worth switching my asetec CPU cooler with my reatively mild overclock of 3.3?  My temps seem to be good however it seems their are better cooling options like the noctua line people are talking about.

Edited by AndydViking - 03 Dec 2009 at 8:05pm

Originally posted by AndydViking Thanks guys this is good info.  Do you think it's worth switching my asetec CPU cooler with my reatively mild overclock of 3.3?  My temps seem to be good however it seems their are better cooling options like the noctua line people are talking about.

ah ic, well the choice you had on noctua is good, they probably make the best air coolers around, + silent +good static +lighter than a few in the same class +easier to install than a few.

Hey thanks guys.  Thanks Justin for the reassurance.  Thanks to all of you especially for bearing with my "noobness" when I ask these questions.  Just wanted to make sure that the asetec LCLC was OK for now. 

Edited by AndydViking - 03 Dec 2009 at 8:55pm

Awesome!

Originally posted by AndydViking ...Just wanted to make sure that the asetec LCLC was OK for now...

As already stated if your load temps are OK (say under 70C) that's all you need.

If you want a higher overclock there are two limits: the electronic limit and thermal limit. You can reach either independently. Better cooling will usually only help if you're hitting the thermal limit for your CPU.

Re thermal compound for the Asetek, it comes with its own thermal compound pre-applied.

If you want to remove and re-apply different compound, that's possible. Both CPU and waterblock should be carefully cleaned first. I use ArctiClean by Arctic Silver: http://www.arcticsilver.com/arcticlean.htm

Re application method, Arctic Silver recommends the "line" method for i7 processors: http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

That said, I had the Asetek LCLC 240mm cooler, removed and re-applied Arctic Silver 5 twice according to the instructions, and it didn't make any difference.

There's often a tendency to apply too much thermal compound. A literal "pea size" is too much -- a green pea is pretty big. Use only enough to mostly cover the CPU head spreader after applying the heat sink. Ideally remove to inspect, clean, then (if satisfied) re-apply the same way.

I ultimately went to a Noctua NH-D14, which was a vast improvement -- much quieter and better cooling. My temps on Prime95 dropped from about mid-80s to roughly low 70s. It cools so well I usually run it in "ultra quiet" mode with fans at 850 rpm. It's virtually silent.

Re temperature monitoring, I recommmend Realtemp. When doing load tests, use the data logging function of Realtemp which exports to a .csv file.

Edited by joema - 08 Dec 2009 at 8:07am

you're northbridge chip shouldn't get too hot even with the noctua on it.

@joema

Edited by AndydViking - 08 Dec 2009 at 10:06pm

looking good there bro, and to install a noctua or similar size Heatsink You should remove the motherboard for safer installation.