Proper Application of AS5?

[Finalheaven]

I'm getting confused because I've seen two different schools of thought on this. Or I'm mixing up my thermal paste.

With normal thermal paste (like the stuff that comes with your HSF if it doesn't use a pad), you want to spread it evenly.

With AS5, you just want a tiny drop in the center of the cpu die and you let the HSF spread it out with pressure. Overtime, the particles align.

Is that right?

[Sierra_abx]

I take it you mean "AS5". On CPU's with large metal heat spreaders, the preferred method is to put a drop in the center. Pressure from the heatsink will cause the compound to spread out to the size of about a dime.

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

I'll fix the thread title.

[davefr]

The manufacturer states that the proper application method is a drop of AS5 in the center of the CPU and then apply the HSF. The size of the drop should be approx. half the size of a BB or grain of rice.

You CPU and HSF surfaces should be cleaned prior to this application. Acetone works well.

[yamawho]

Originally Posted by davefr

The manufacturer states that the proper application method is a drop of AS5 in the center of the CPU and then apply the HSF. The size of the drop should be approx. half the size of a BB or grain of rice.

You CPU and HSF surfaces should be cleaned prior to this application. Acetone works well.

I second that

[Finalheaven]

Yeah, thanks sierra. I just changed my post too.

As for the acetone, I do something. How did I get it? Here's a funny story:

For the past three months, I walked by this cabinet outside of my office with a little yellow canister on top. I would always read the label, but I had no idea who's it was or what it was used for. So everyday I would shoot a glance at it, wonder, and walk into my office.

A few days ago I was reading up on cleaning HSF and cpu's with acetone and such cleansers. One of the brands mentioned was Goof Off. Lo and behold! The little yellow canister was Goof Off. Having been there for three months, I knew no one would miss it.

SO.... I have Goof Off. Will that work?

[Razorback]

Works well to get the initial stuff off. Then, I follow it with isopropyl alcohol.

[Will Robinson]

I have some Dynex Silver Thermal Compound.
Is that the same thing as AS5...at least in as much as I should use the same ammount when applying it? I just installed a water cooling system and when I put the water block on the cpu I spread a thin layer all the way across the top of it with a credit card. It's pretty thin but probably not as thin as the single spot the size of a grain of rice would have made it...

[Fraoch]

Goof Off dissolves organic compounds like the heatsink thermal paste (not nearly as well as acetone, but it'll do in a pinch).

However, if it's like Goo Gone (I've heard it is) it's based on citrus oil and as such, it will leave some oil behind. That will interfere with thermal transfer.

Use 99% rubbing alcohol to take the oil off. The 70% stuff is only good on pimples.

BTW both Goof Off and rubbing alcohol are plastic safe, so if you spill some around, no big deal. Not the same thing with acetone - it eats certain plastics. All these chemicals attack oils and if you get any on your fingers it will dissolve all the oil in them, leaving you with painfully dry skin, so use rubber gloves.

Rubbing alcohol and acetone vapours are also flammable (acetone is VERY flammable) and both are vapour harmful - again, acetone is worse here.

[DCR]

If you use Acetone...pour some on your hands first...it feels really cold. Next, inhale the fumes..it smells really good...like gasoline good.*

*if you die from that...you did it on your own...it hasn't killed me yet, though.

I use the grain of rice method primarily because I am a moron. I make such a mess trying to spread it all over the CPU, that the grain method just keeps me from tasting AS5 while eating dinner...because it is under my fingernail or something.

Is that the same thing as AS5...at least in as much as I should use the same ammount when applying it?

In application...I would say yes, but in material, no.

some thermal compounds claiming to contain silver are actually just silver colored and contain NO SILVER or SILVER OXIDE.

This aluminum oxide and silicone compound is made in China and marketed under a dozen or more different names including Spire, Titan, Stars 700,
CompUSA, Dynex, Cables Unlimited, Arctic Cooling, and Ultra. Depending on the particular distributor, the compound is claimed to contain between 10% and 90% silver or silver oxide by weight. While some of these companies have now discontinued their bogus product, they have not recalled it from their dealers nor offered any compensation to the customers who purchased it believing that it contained real silver.

[Fraoch]

Originally Posted by DCR

If you use Acetone...pour some on your hands first...it feels really cold. Next, inhale the fumes..it smells really good...like gasoline good.*

*if you die from that...you did it on your own...it hasn't killed me yet, though.

The reason it feels cold is that it's using the heat from your hands to "flash" or boil off. These chemicals boil below body temperature. And you didn't notice your hands were so dry afterwards they turned white?

BTW the vapours are very toxic.

The best solvent I've ever used to clean metals is lacquer thinner, but it's even worse than acetone in terms of fumes. You could not inhale lacquer thinner fumes and remain conscious.

[DCR]

You could not inhale laquer thinner fumes and remain conscious.

When you have some smelling salts handy...and fast reflexes...you can usually revive yourself before you hit the floor.

I haven't used Acetone in awhile, but yeah, it made the old hands dry.

[switch_abx]

the best way to remove the pad from the stock Heat Sink is to put it in the freezer for 30 minutes. The pad get's so hard, that it easily flips off. Any residue still can be removed with pure alcohol or another solvent.

Originally Posted by davefr

You CPU and HSF surfaces should be cleaned prior to this application. Acetone works well.

[Fraoch]

Originally Posted by DCR

When you have some smelling salts handy...and fast reflexes...you can usually revive yourself before you hit the floor.

Okie dokie, have fun!

[DCR]

Ha ha...

I'm going to have to start putting a disclaimer in my sig:

*the above post possibly contains severe sarcasm, humor or stupidity....rarely will it contain helpful information or material.

[davefr]

Not according to the EPA:

"The EPA has determined that acetone is not classifiable as to its human carcinogenicity."

Originally Posted by Fraoch

The reason it feels cold is that it's using the heat from your hands to "flash" or boil off. These chemicals boil below body temperature. And you didn't notice your hands were so dry afterwards they turned white?

BTW the vapours are very toxic, and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) too.

The best solvent I've ever used to clean metals is lacquer thinner, but it's even worse than acetone in terms of fumes. You could not inhale lacquer thinner fumes and remain conscious.