Thremal Grease reapplied every couple weeks

[techpaine]

Ok, I have a system with an Athlon XP 2700 processor. I'm having cooling problems which is beginning to annoy me. It first started with some system lock ups, at which time I started monitoring the CPU temp and seen it was getting too hot (pushing 150F) when under sustained loads. Obviously not right.

At that time I checked everything out, replaced the sink/fan (since now the bearing was shot, system normally stays on), reapplied the right amout of thermal grease, and tested again. After doing all this, and under loads, the CPU was only reaching 125-127F, and idle 114-118F. All better I thought. Well since then, every few weeks I slowly see that peek temps climb. And soon enough its reaching 140s again. I'll tear it down, reapply the greese and things are all better for a couple more weeks.

When I take the sink off, it appears the grease is almost running off, thus reducing its effect. Is this just junk grease or is something not mating up right with the sink and cpu? Right not I see I'm back to @idle temp of 122F, so it won't be long before I'm back in there. 🙁

Now I'm getting hot! Looking for suggestions.

 

[Scotteq]

Almost running off!?!?!?


You are using WAAAAAY too much grease. You only need an amount roughly equal in size to a grain of rice.

 

[techpaine]

Don't let your imagination get carried away I've put very little on. When I say it appears to run off (it's not a raging river ), I meant that when I take things apart again, I see only partial coverage and it always appears that what little was on there, has migrated to the bottom (gravity side) of the package.

 

[rgeist554]

Sounds like the grease is more like water to me. Anyways - when I apply grease, I do the "grain o' rice" approach and let the HSF spread the grease. It always makes a good seal too since when I try to remove the HS it feels like I'm about to rip the CPU out of it's socket. I don't think there should be any "migration" or "running off" if you're using the correct methods / amounts of a decent thermal compound.

 

[techpaine]

Ok, thanks. That helps I think. I was using the grease that came with the sink, but it certainly isn't thick enough to give me any sense of "ripping" the CPU off the board after it's been on there a while. I ceratinly do not want to keep disturbing the package, however, since one of these times something will get damaged. I'll try some shops in town or Radio Shack to see if I can't find something a little more viscous.

Thanks or your input!

 

[Scotteq]

You might want to order some aftermarket grease, then. Arctic Silver 5 is the most popular, and is very good. But there are better performing choices on the market - The one that springs to mind is called "Shin Etsu". Of course.... *I* find this out only *after* using AS-5... <grin>

The other thing to make sure of is whether your HSF is staying secure or not.

 

[Mugz]

With my P4 631, I put a grain-sized blob in the middle and let the block spread it. Whenever I have to take the block off, I've got a microthin layer across the HS with a thick border around the edge.

It's normal.