How would you apply arctic asilver 5?

[johnnr892]

Hi, I'm trying to get my cpu temps down further by buying some arctic silver 5 paste to replace the original silicone compund. I have read on the web that there are different methods of doing this. If there is a way of doing it that doesnt involve a credit card or trying to even it out then i'd be happy to hear it. I have have read that you can use cling film on the end of your finger and then rub it into the cpu die and the heatsink and also there is a method of just putting a dollop of it on the die and letting the heatsink pressure spread it. Just wondering what you guys do, Thanks again,John.

[Shogun]

Credit card. The only way I could ever trust to have a semi flat coating. It also shows parts that need more as they are more transparent. If you need one i can always stick one in the post to you.

[skattrd]

Personally I use a thin flexible knife to apply it, although I've heard the cling film trick works well.

http://arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

[Flash]

one half rice grain size on the die, place plastic bag over your finger and pull tight until its skin tight to your finger

massage the AS5 into the die and use the plastic to remove excess

[petrefax]

if you don't have a credit card, or don't wish to gunge up your card with thermal paste, get to a supermarket...they are all throwing loyalty cards at you. pick up a couple of tesco clubcards or sainsburys nectar cards & off you go!

[Stewart]

I used my Moms Mecca Bingo card earlier, worked a nice one.

[pre]

Cling film stretched over a finger tip. Assuming your HSF is flat ideally you'll just want to thin/smooth the layer so you can barely see any tint on the core.

[Stewart]

Cling film stretched over a finger tip.

Say it again...

[Donny John]

Squeeze the whole tube out onto CPU so it's piled up like a Walnut Whip (you may need an extra tube to achieve this effect) and shove the Heatsink back on - sorted lol

[Zak33]

you know what....this has been done to death...BUT....a word or warning.

More is NOW better than less......I have done this a zillion times...and killed two AMD's this year.

So I go with this .....

grain of it on the core.....cover ya finger (Vaully mate....say it again.. CLINGFILM ) smear it around...

then..this is where I'm wierd...put the heatsink on....secure it...then twist it left and right to make sure its down...

then take it off again

See how the heatsink looks...how much moodged out round the sides?

Clean off the excess from the edges...the stuff that was not on the core anymore...then using your CLINGFILM FINGER SKILLS....smooth the last bit back out again....the bit that is still on the core.....smooth it out again.

Then heatsink on.....twist both ways ater its seated to make sure it IS seated...

Fingers Crossed....

Kiss your nut goodbye

Power up


Have a steak ready for the impending flare up....no point wasting a £100 chip....

steak and chip anyone

[menthel]

Just don't let the special kid at the back eat it like the glue at school!

[CrapshoT]

What I have found to be good at this is a cigerette butt.You can usse it to dab a nice coating all over the core.even the corners without getting the compound everywhere.The goop doesnt have to be perfectly flat as it self levels after the heatsink is applied and the cpu heats up.Try a butt.!you to will change.lol

[Zak33]

good idea Crapshot...never thought of that...a filter from a cig. Damn fine idea. You are right about it not being flat. The pressure of the Heatsink clip with do that job.

BE AWARE PEOPLE....SILVER PASTE CONDUCTS ELECTRICITY>....so dont get it on the mobo or pins. If you do, clean it off FIRST before powering up.

[CrapshoT]

BE AWARE PEOPLE....SILVER PASTE CONDUCTS ELECTRICITY>....so dont get it on the mobo or pins. If you do, clean it off FIRST before powering up.

This is why the cig butt works so well.Give it a try on an old cpu whtas lying around.Not with your best gloop though.This will give you an idea of how well it will work.!!!

[Shogun]

You did know you aren't supposed to twist the heatsink once the paste is applied don't you?

[weebroonieuk]

i twist it becuase it will help spread and push out any air that might be caught in there !
the only reason i can think of not twisting is incase u squash it all off but if u pull of the heatsink it never has and its fine so twist away although only a little wiggle dont try any 360's !