Applying Artic Silver 5

[RangersFan]

What do you guys use to apply a nice flat thick layer of the compound? What works the best, a credit card? Also do you use the edge the smooth the layer out, or the flat side of the card?

I am applying it to a P3 Tualatin, so am I to apply a layer to the entire silver part?

[k0NG0]

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...tions_big2.htm

[MANOWAR]

I used saran wrap around my finger. There are some instructions here with pictures:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...ions_small.htm

[termite]

I just put a drop in the center of the cpu and attached the zalman heatsink+fan on top. Been running like this for a year now.

[Eldonko]

Originally Posted by termite

I just put a drop in the center of the cpu and attached the zalman heatsink+fan on top. Been running like this for a year now.

Me too, I put a rice grain sized drop in the center of the HS, squish it down and wiggle it a bit. I found it works better than putting more than that for my temps.

[itsjsme]

May I ask, what is the benefit of using arctic silver? I don't overclock, and I'm not much of a gamer except for a breakout variant I have and MahJong. I've upgraded my pc three times more or less, had the processor out twice to switch motherboards, the first time by a tech who did the job, and I've never used the stuff. By the way, AMD Athlon 1800+.
Jim

[PCBruiser]

Depending on the starting point you may get anywhere from a 2C to 5C temp reduction in your CPU. That depends on the quality of the heatsink, your case ventilation, ambient temps, and other factors. But, bottom line. AS5 is far superior to the usual white goop or thermal pads used by manufacturers, etc. and is only a couple of dollars more in cost. I buy a 12 gram tube for about $15 (it is available in smaller sizes for about $5) and that is good for about 50+ installs.

[MANOWAR]

I think there's a little bit of confusion here:

Kongo: The link you provided was intended for a P4 or large area core. RangersFan wants to apply this to a P3 core which is a slightly different procedure.

Termite/Eldonko: I used the same procedure as you guys, but on my P4 system. The P3 application differs slightly.

Please refer to the link I provided in my previous post for further clarification.

[Snafu]

The sites in the links given provide directions on how to apply AS5 - they don't recommend spreading it around, add a grain of rice size dab in the middle... They note that the actual size of the cpu is no where near the size of the protective metal covering.

[MANOWAR]

Snafu,
Good to see you again. I have to respectfully disagree with what you say here.
Go here:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...structions.htm
There are two different sets of instructions depending on what type of processor you are applying the AS5 to. If you have a quick look through the P3 instructions it does tell you to spread it over the entire core. See step 7 on the P3 instructions.
RangersFan is using a P3

[RangersFan]

Originally Posted by DeathDealer

Snafu,
Good to see you again. I have to respectfully disagree with what you say here.
Go here:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...structions.htm
There are two different sets of instructions depending on what type of processor you are applying the AS5 to. If you have a quick look through the P3 instructions it does tell you to spread it over the entire core. See step 7 on the P3 instructions.
RangersFan is using a P3

Nah I did the rice grain instructions for the P4. Those P3 instructions are for the old P3 with the very small surface. I am using a P3 Tualatin which is more similar to the p4 surfaces. It would be quite a mess if I spread as5 all around the surface of the processor.

[Deer Slayer]

How I do it, is I spread just enough on the surface of the heat spreader to have an opaque layer of AS5. You shouldn't be able to see the surface of the heatspreader on the chip at all, and if it has any writing on it, you shouldn't be able to read it. Just put your finger in a plastic bag to spread it. That wors about the best, then I put the heatsink on and see if I have a nice square contact patch, if it's uneven or didn't touch I spread it out a little better. Usually I get really good results, my temps of my GPU are the best I've seen with this cooler so I must be doing something right!

[MANOWAR]

Originally Posted by RangersFan

Nah I did the rice grain instructions for the P4. Those P3 instructions are for the old P3 with the very small surface. I am using a P3 Tualatin which is more similar to the p4 surfaces. It would be quite a mess if I spread as5 all around the surface of the processor.

Well, I guess I stand corrected.
It's been a while since I had a P3 system and I'm not familiar with the Tualatin core. If it is a bigger core than you were probably right to follow the P4 instructions.
Imagine following P4 instructions for a P3 application.
I need a beer.

[RDLouks]

I just replaced the POS Wax thermal pad on my Intel P4 3.06 with AS-5 and it dropped my CPU Temp. form 52.5 C to 45.5 C
I am using the Stock HS/Fan and do not O.C. Went by the instructions and removed the old pad with a credit card, cleaned both surfaces with "BrakeKleen" then Alcohol, put just a "Grain of Rice" size drop of AS-5, pushed the HS/Fan unit straight down gave it a little twist each way and locked in place.

Say what you will, but I am now a firm beleiver in Arctic Silver!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dddibley]

I've read it might be less effective if you already used a thermal pad. Apparently the crap gets into the microscopic valleys and is pretty hard to get out. Same goes for the heat spreader too.

Given that.. I still went down a couple degrees after a week. Will probably try again if i can find a better cleaner. Not sure about having 'Gunk' degreaser so close to the motherboard. Works great on heatsinks though

ddd