Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

[mbucari1]

All right I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but I'll try anyway.

My heatsink is in desperate need of cleaning, but I don't have any thermal paste on hand and don't want to go out and buy any (too lazy). So can I remove my heatsink, clean it being very careful and replace it using the same thermal paste and be "ok"?

[necromantic]

Just clean it up and smear some toothpaste on the die, it'll stay minty fresh :D

But seriously, It shouldn't be a problem. I've reused the thermal paste before (not on my own computer mind you) and it didn't blow up.

[mbucari1]

Just clean it up and smear some toothpaste on the die, it'll stay minty fresh :D

But seriously, It shouldn't be a problem. I've reused the thermal paste before (not on my own computer mind you) and it didn't blow up.lol, feeling the awesome influx of confidence!

I think I'll just go out to the local store :\

[clocker]

I think I'll just go out to the local store :\
Please do, we'll all sleep better.
Here's (http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=1) a shootout between 33 different TIMs.

[Detale]

They sell thermal paste in Radio Shack now if you're in the US or Can. I have done this too in a pinch but I would always get some paste on there asap

[mbucari1]

I think I'll just go out to the local store :\
Please do, we'll all sleep better.
Here's (http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=1) a shootout between 33 different TIMs.
Wow, cheap AND the best according to the review.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835202006&Tpk=ocz%2bfreeze


They sell thermal paste in Radio Shack now if you're in the US or Can. I have done this too in a pinch but I would always get some paste on there asap

I might just do that tomorrow. We have a RS in town, I'll check what they have. I'm also running with the stock fan/sink that came with the e6600 retail (yeah, I know) a year and a half ago. I think it's time for a HS upgrade too :\

[Detale]

Also they have a paste by Dynex (Best Buy no frills) in Best Buy for $10. I haven't used it but I know it's there too

[mbucari1]

Picked up a 3.5g tube of this stuff (http://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htm) today. Gonna apply later tonight.

[clocker]

A little dab'll do ya.

[mbucari1]

A little dab'll do ya.


The 3.5 gram tube contains enough compound to cover at least 15 to 25 small CPU cores, or 6 to 10 large CPU cores, or 2 to 5 heat plates.


Seriously :blink:

[positive]

It HAS to be small amount the you apply.The more you put the less effective it gets.I have a tube from when i remember me and gave it to many friends,maybe 20 cpu's covered.And still half full.