Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt (
More info?)
Jaime Alvarez <jaja@simon.net> wrote in message news:<DrHhc.89801$_g4.19868391@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net>...
> I bought a new HS + Fan as my current one is dying slowly.
> I ws going to buy thermal compound as well, but $ 15 for
> a 3 cc tube set off my scam alarm. As i'm currently
> working at a chemistry lab, i thought that i might be
> able to ask for a small free sample of something really
> good.
>
> Any suggestions?
Thermal compound is silicone or ester oil mixed with powdered filler,
like zinc oxide, to improve heat conduction and prevent the oil from
running. I believe ester oil causes itching, but and the only
advantage to it is that it prevents commercial circuit board washing
equipment from being contaminated with silicone. If you go to a
TV/electronics parts house or Radio Shack, ask for heatsink grease
(Radio Shack #276-1372). Automotive parts stores sell it as
dielectric grease, for use on ignition systems to seal out water and
prevent rubber spark plug boots from getting stuck to the plugs; it's
also applied to ignition modules to cool them. Some cars, like those
from GM, use it to seal headlight or tail light connections from
moisture, and there's probably enough extra there for a few CPU
heatsinks, but don't use any that's dirty since the grit may prevent a
good, tight fit between the CPU package and heatsink.
Do not use wheel bearing grease or brake fluid because they're too
thin to fill the gaps and not run out later on, and brake fluid may
also evaporate and damage plastics (brake fluid is excellent paint
remover).