Computer newbies forum: Thermal Paste

I started out with a pea size of paster but I could not get it to spread and cover the cpu cover which is why I used what I did to cover the heak sink and cpu. Is it possible I may damage my cpu unless I remove and reapply the paste? Thanks.

The way this all works is the transfer of heat from one area to another. That means a flat metal surface from one to another in typical setups. The paste is used to fill the micro-gaps/grooves on such metal surfaces and provide a more uniform contact and transfer of heat. If spread paste where no metal to metal contact would ever happen it becomes an insulator and basically causes non-transfer of heat. If too thick, it can't do its job fast enough, if too thin it is less effective/efficient. Thus, you see why the paste has to be just right or close to it. Those instructions from that link I provided should be enough to guide you. You need place only a "glop" on that metal cpu area itself, NOT the heatsink. When contact with heatsink to cpu metal cover will be final spread by contact after being locked/screwed down. Of course, before doing anything the areas of contact have to be 100% cleaned of old paste/compound.

What may happen if this never seems to be enough to get the heat away from the cpu is either you have an inefficient HSF(too small or rated for cpu) or the application was improper. To add to that, maybe the actual HSF just isn't right, it's too cumbersome, thus review what that HSF was bested used on. Further while this is directly for cpu use, the overall cooling of the PC case comes into play as it has to deal with that heat extruded from cpu exhaust it out, so you see the whole process has to beneficial. If what you have just doesn't cut it, get another HSF(heatsink&fan) setup and redo again. Alas, you never provided details of all this is being done on, review what you have and check and verify all is well.

tada -----Willy

I cleaned off all of the paste I put on before. Had one more tube. Followed the video, pea size in middle of cpu cover and used business card to spread. Was happy with the way it worked. Got an even spread on the cpucover and made sure I had a good cover in the middle. So many thanks. Before I leave this thread, can you tell me if should begin feeling hotter air out of the fan vent.

the efficiency of heat transfer from the CPU die to the heat sink. The total amount of heat generated is not affected. Thus, you should not notice any temperature change in what exits the box. If you could measure it, the heat sink temperature should rise faster from when cold but that's about it.

Great that is what I am getting. I really, really apppreciate your help and avice. You have solved my problem

If in fact the HSF is doing a better job it maybe adding slightly more to the heat exhaust. As long as it "exits out" will be a better result than anything else. However, while I've seen smoke tests to show what results can be had, I thought anyone does that for their home PC. The point being, if the overall results are good and remain so, then accept it. Beware, in the process of adding the paste, etc., you may have not pay attention to wire harness, etc.. We're talking "airflow" here so the less intrusions to that airflow allows it to be exhausted better or more efficiently which may add to higher heat exhaust. Having a temp reading. should provide the avg. of what you're experiencing using a thermometer if you like.

tada -----Willy

I will have to back and see it again. I remember seeing him doing something with the harness but will re review.

I went back and watched five different videos and none mention the wire harness. Is this the harness which locks the cpu cover down?

Airflow is best done when everything of one item or another is out of the way, so any cooling, especially air cooled can do its job. Which is way some PC cases provide venting/tubing to directly exhaust heat build-up.

ie: if you place a plastic bag over vent, will it allow exhaust to be very good? No, it's blocking the exhaust. Same for your fingers or anything that gets in the way.

The thing I'm trying to convey is that airflow works best with as little as possible obstructions. Wire harness should be tied down or re-routed so they're not in the way as best as possible. It's part of the overall reduction of objects/items in the way. Checkout some gamer PC and notice the better ones have routed cabling, wire harness, tags, connections, etc. to the PC casing or plate.

tada -----Willy

I think I got you now. The wire harness for the fan. When I first took the fan off the wires were wrapped around the coil on the heat sink a couple of times. I did not rewrap the wires when I put it back . So I should route this as far dpwn as I can in to the case?

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&as_q=how+to+route+cpu+fan+wiring

The key take aways are:

1. Keep them away from fans that could cut them or catch on them.
2. Keep them away from slots.

Item 2 was not funny as I had to break the bad news to someone they had a fan power cable across a slot and this was wedged in as someone tried to put in a card. They succeeded but ended up with a dead motherboard.
Bob

Yup - I have seen that happen a couple times - nothing you can do but get a new mobo - due
to one or more ram card tabs get bent out of the way and theres no fishing it out or
re-bending it - toast ... touchy stuff.
never try to clean dust out with a brush - use a light blower or vacuum.

Ok I got he paste. Where do I find your finger

Great info; I have read numerous articles, viewed videos, and never saw the part about staining the CPU. I will know next time. As I have just cleaned and reapplied this week, how critical is it?