I have had the original thermal compound on my cpu since new (at least 8 years) and the temps were getting too high when gaming. After I applied AS5 a few months ago according to the instructions (vertical line, ~1mm), the temps are higher, and my cpu fan speed is around 2,100-2,200rpm when browsing. I never saw the fan speed approach anywhere near 2,000rpm with the old thermal compound (at least with normal, say, 25c ambient temp). Temps also are around 55-60c while browsing/with low loads. I removed the heatsink, and the top part of the paste was thinner (I could easily see through it to the metal on both the heatsink and IHS). I applied a little more this time, and the temps appear to be unchanged. I plugged in a 2nd case fan running on 5v (no pwm, too loud on 12v) and now the fan speed is at 1,830rpm.
I understand that it may take a long time for it to "run in", but I don't think it should be higher than before, even after a few months. I tinted the IHS and heatsink, after cleaning according to instructions, again (2nd application).
I understand that it may take a long time for it to "run in", but I don't think it should be higher than before, even after a few months. I tinted the IHS and heatsink, after cleaning according to instructions, again (2nd application).
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