What exactly does this stuff do? It seems like it's pretty important to computer building. And also, how do you apply it? And to what?
2027265
The stuff conducts heat real well. Modern day CPU chips get HOT and you want to take that heat away as fast as you can. Manufacturers devised special tops to lay on top of the CPU chips to radiate the heat away. Some of these coolers (heat sinks) even have fans built into them. But ... to get the heat transferred from the CPU chip to the cooler you need this paste that helps increase the surface contact between the chip and the cooler. If this is a new build and the CPU and cooler have never been used before you just have to apply it. If either the CPU or the cooler have been used it is advisable to clean off the surface as well as you can. The shinier the better. Be sure to use an anti-static strap when handling the CPU chip. They are susceptible to even small amounts of static electricity. I used rubbing alcohol and lots of Q-Tips when I cleaned by cooler. I suggest you go to You-Tube and search there for videos on how best to apply the thermal compound. They have lots of them there. One thing I didn't see there that should be mentioned is thermal cycling the computer after the compound has been applied. In other words - run the computer as you normally would for an hour - then power it down for an hour. Repeat this at least 4-5 time letting the on time interval increase by 30 minutes each time. This heating and cooling allows the thermal compound to work it's way into the two joined surfaces.
2027266
you apply it to the cpu processor. It goes in between the processor and the cooler to dissipate heat evenly :) I usually use something very flat edged and apply a VERY THIN AND EVEN COAT.
2027267
You apply it to the computers processor by squeezing it out onto the processor then spreading it evenly around with the tip alone is fine, making sure 100% of the processor is covered with a thin coat but not too much or it will goo over when you tighten down the cpu cooler. The heat and screws holding the cooling unit to the motherboard/cpu will even out any areas that weren't perfectly smooth :) It helps the cpu conduct heat through the cooling unit :) creating a perfect bond with no air between.
2027268
You do NOT want to spread it around the top of the CPU, or anything crazy like some people are suggesting! Drop a dab the size of a small pea in the middle of the CPU, and then apply whatever heatsink/fan you plan to use. The pressure of the heatsink will cause the paste to spread out even, and where it's needed. This also is a lot easier, and cleaner to do! Remember with Arctic Silver (and other similar compounds) it has conductive material that if you got anywhere else could cause some issues! Less is best! :)
1078192
I believe this particular one is bare-bones, and doesn't come with any pre-applied TIM. Even if it did, I always recommend applying your own, and monitor your temps carefully, reapplying the TIM if necessary until you see satisfactory temps. Most thermal paste you could buy is "good enough" for most applications, but in your case I'd recommend Arctic Silver or some other metal-ish paste for the best heat transfer. That heatsink will work on most 95w cpu's, but will struggle with quad cores. Anything more than a mild overclock is not recommended.
289800
Yes, the thermal paste is already applied to the cpu when it is boxed. If you feel that there is not enough thermal paste you can always add a bit more
1644057
Even though the stock heatsink comes with thermal paste already on,I remove it using a heatsink prep kit.It comes with special cleaning & surface prep fluids that work very well,far better then just rubbing alcohaul.After I prep it, I always use Artic Silver #5. In my opinion, it's the best on the market. I've seen the difference in cooling using it. Building for 25 years now :)
1827373
It isnt necessary to use paste, because it isnt pc processor and it dont warm same pc processor. You need just to use the tape included.
2155283
It doesn't "wear out." You put a little bit on the top of the CPU and when you install the fan, it spreads it around the top. One application should cover it all. Amount: about a small pea. If the unit keeps overheating, take off the cooler and apply a little more.
1507373
Depending on how close? get a computer/metric ruler out, Mine cleared my RAM (12gb) but the RAM cant the "fancy" type with heatsinks, just simple ddr2/3 RAM sticks, No extras to it. It does cut close in heighth clearance, but cools exceptionally well under stress testing for 12 hours using PK-1 Nano Thermal Compound. (WHICH I HIGHLY RECCOMEND.) I have been building and overclocking systems for 7 years roughly, I mainly work as a Network Security Admin, and Pen Testing. The best is preferrably a Thermaltake V2.0 Water cooling system, with a Thor V2 case. let me know if you need any more insight.
1134794
I play all games seamlessly with the pc I built which included this item. I believe, but I could be wrong here, games such as league really rely more on your internet connection than your computer, to a point obviously. While games such as battlefield four, skyrim, and other graphicly intense games may rely more on the build itself. Just my opinion.
2005079
sorry I have not gotta clue except to say this product is used for cpu chips with heat sink and fan
497332
System , somewhere in the case , probably where air isnt directly hitting it . CPU , on/near heatsink (dont let it get too near the fan .HDD - ?????????? I just have this one in my system as well ...
178111
Great news! I threw my PC (Windows) based computers in the garbage years ago. Thanks for timely response.
1538804
it is non electrically conductive, (which is good) it is thermally conductive. If it was electrically conductive your cpu could possible fry or short out.
883216
Yes. More than enough. I barely used a fraction of the contents in my case. Just make sure you use the recommended cleaning and application method for your CPU and GPU. I used the rice grain method for my CPU and the "pea" method for my GPU. There are a bunch of "how to" videos on YouTube that show how its done.Also the material is very thick and viscous so before application wrap the tube in plastic warap and let it sit in a cup of hot water to help soften the material.
1572655
This kit includes a stock cooler which has thermal paste pre-applied so you should not need anything more. Unless you want to apply your own thermal paste or a different cooling system.
1240815
Most likely you put too much. You only need enough to fill in the micro gaps in the metal, not adding a whole "layer" of arctic silver in between the heat sink and the processor. As others have said, a thin vertical line. Also know that new thermal compound takes about 200 HOURS to "break in," for it to fill up all of the micro gaps. If you know you applied it correctly, then give it a few weeks and see if temperatures come down a bit, this is actually normal.
1112145
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1647588
I think so,this is the only paste I use (2)yrs straight on all types of mobo's and high power cpu's,never had any problemsIf u have any other questions feel free to ask