Heatsink compound (thermal grease)

[mcseguy9]

Hi all,

I have a P4 3.0E GHz Prescott or Preston, I can't remember which name, CPU that is running hot (I know they do this by default, it's just how they work). Anyway, I have a heatsink/fan rated for a 3.2GHz processor and some generic heatsink compound in use. I'm wondering if changing out the heatsink compound could dramatically drop the temps I'm seeing. Right now when I boot up the computer and do nothing with it I see the temp running around 40 degrees celsius, and it often goes into the mid fifties when I'm doing anything intensive (I think I saw it go up to 60 when playing America's Army as well). I have some Arctic Silver 5 on the way, but am wondering if it will make that big a dent in the temps I'm seeing. If you don't think so I might also get a new heatsink/fan to go with the new compound and install them both at once to see if I can get the temp to drop about 10 degrees. Let me know what you think.

[liam858]

It might help for the simple fact that it is good stuff, but also because renewing it with any compound will help, and as P4's run hot, they have good thermal protection, i wouldn't be worried by 60 degrees under load, but as you mentioned a new cooler would also help.


Liam

[mcseguy9]

liam, if I put the new goo on the cpu this will be the 3rd removal/application of goo. I have everything I need to properly remove the goo and apply new goo. Do you see this as possibly being a bad thing - doing this so much (switching out goo)?

[liam858]

It shouldn't be a problem, no, as long as you remove it all and re-apply it nicely, and if you're re-using the stock heatsink fan make sure you give that a good clean with some isopropyl alcohol too.


Liam

[mcseguy9]

Great. I'll make sure everything is clean, cpu and heatsink, and apply the good stuff. Thanks for the help.

[usil]

FWIW, I don't think Arctic Silver will make that much of a difference (if any at all) compared to generic thermal grease. As Liam pointed out though, make sure that the heatsink is clean of dust, as I've seen a lot of overheated computers as a result of trapped dust in the HS's blades.

[mcseguy9]

Check out these fans and let me know what you think would be best:

http://www.microcenter.com/byos/byos...duct_id=253004
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835106606
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec....6&RSKU=BA21346

BTW, this is the one I have now and it just doesn't seem to be cutting it:
http://ultraproducts.com/product_det...9&productID=79

[Train]

From mwave
Fan Size: 92X92X25 mm
Fan Speed: 1800 ~ 3200 R.P.M. (Control byPWM)
Fan Airflow: 28.173 ~ 46.820 CFM
Noise Level: 26~36 dB(A)

The CFM is the item you need to remove the heat. The higher the better but do keep a eye on the noise level.

Don't know if it will fit you mobo, just pointing areas we need to pay attention to.

Low rpms help to keep the noise down.

[mcseguy9]

Something I forgot to tell everyone is that the mobo temp is very low, around 20 degrees constantly, while the cpu temp idles at 39 or 40 degrees.

So now I have a new question. If the airflow through the case were a problem would it also affect the mobo temp? If this is the case than does it appear to you that the airflow is fine since the mobo temp is so low?

[Shinma]

Possible.
The processors' HSF may be cooling down the processor but if there is no decent airflow around it,
The heat would just blanket around it for a while.

[Shinma]

Check out these fans and let me know what you think would be best ...

None.
If intending to purchase from newegg,
Providing it is compatible with mobo in question,
And guessing that your budget is around $30.00,
Suggest consideration of the ZALMAN CNPS7700-ALCU 120mm

For additional ideas/listing of quiet and effective heatsinks,
You can take a look at the following, LINK

[mcseguy9]

That's an interesting choice for a hsf from newegg. I'd have thought the Zalman from microcenter.com would be plenty good.

At any rate, I had my daughter play America's Army yesterday for a couple of hours to stress test things and the cpu temp averaged 55 celsius, so I think we're in the clear for the time being.

[Dudley]

Sorry to report that the heat transfer compound, when applied properly (slather it on) applied, will not make any difference. Your temps seem "normal". If You want to improve the temps a better heat sink might make a difference as will greater airflow. I have a 120mm fan blowing on a humongous heat sink keeping my CPU cool. I was thinking of getting a little refrigerator and putting the CPU in there!

Who stole my 'signature'???

[Train]

Heat transfer compound, I place just a dab on the cpu. Used a ID/credit card to smear it paper thin over the surface. More or less can cause temperature rises. 55C looks like you got it the right thickness.

[SuperSparks]

Sorry to report that the heat transfer compound, when applied properly (slather it on)

That is the last thing you want to do with thermal compound - it's only purpose is to fill the microscopic gaps between the metal faces. If you slather it on it acts as an insulator It doesn't want to be any thicker than a thin sheet of paper.