Thermal Paste

[nitrogen521]

So, I'm getting a new heatsink fan, and I'm wondering if it's okay to reapply the thermal grease...

The CPU already has some of the thermal grease from the STOCK INTEL HEATSINK FAN WHICH I PREVIOUSLY USED.

So, I'm wondering is it okay to just put thermal grease on it? Or do I have to rub it off?

 

[hunter315]

you should clean it with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove the old stuff, then apply a small amount of new thermal grease, you dont need much as it squishes and spreads out to cover the whole CPU. Removing the old stuff first ensure good contact which will give you better performance.

 

[Ubrales]

This might be a good opportunity for you to polish (lap) the base of the new heat sink - leave the CPU alone. I polished the base of my HS and obtained a 5 deg to 8 deg drop in temps (running similar apps).

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[nitrogen521]

What if I just put the thermal paste over the old thermal paste, or don't put any thermal paste at all, what effect will it put on the CPU?

 

[hunter315]

If you put no thermal paste at all and just have metal on metal contact you will only get a small fraction of the heat transfer capabilities because of all the air gaps, your CPU will overheat and either shut down the system or die. Putting the new stuff over the old stuff will give you better than none at all but still not good, it will take slightly longer but your CPU will still overheat fairly quickly.

 

[nitrogen521]

Where can I get the Rubbing Alcohol? What's the price of it?

I heard it has to be more than 70%.

 

[nitrogen521]

For the CPU, what do I use to get off the thermal paste, and how much pressure?