Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

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03-05-2008, 10:48 PM
mbucari1

Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

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"?
03-05-2008, 11:13 PM
necromantic

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

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.
03-06-2008, 12:01 AM
mbucari1

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

lol, feeling the awesome influx of confidence!

I think I'll just go out to the local store :\
03-06-2008, 12:30 AM
clocker

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbucari1

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

Please do, we'll all sleep better.
Here's a shootout between 33 different TIMs.
03-06-2008, 01:56 AM
Detale

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

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
03-06-2008, 06:20 AM
mbucari1

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clocker

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbucari1

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

Please do, we'll all sleep better.
Here's a shootout between 33 different TIMs.

Wow, cheap AND the best according to the review.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...k=ocz%2bfreeze

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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 :\
03-06-2008, 08:12 PM
Detale

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

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
03-07-2008, 03:38 AM
mbucari1

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

Picked up a 3.5g tube of this stuff today. Gonna apply later tonight.
03-07-2008, 03:53 AM
clocker

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

A little dab'll do ya.
03-07-2008, 06:00 AM
mbucari1

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

Quote:

Originally Posted by clocker

A little dab'll do ya.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArcticSilver

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:
03-07-2008, 04:41 PM
positive

Re: Dirty heatsink, no thermal paste.

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.