NO it is not allright to put the CPU cooling heatsink back onto the CPU without first removing all of the old thermal paste with alcohol and placing new thermal paste back onto the heatsink. You must remove all of the old thermal paste from both the CPU processor and the heatsink, just be sure that you do not get it onto the front side of the CPU (where the pins fit into the motherboard.
Go to RadioShack/BestBuy/Office Depot or some similar store and get a small tube of ArticSilver5 or similar thermal paste to replace the old paste. It only takes a small amount, and it will take about three to five days to "cure" and be at its maximum ability to transfer heat from the CPU to the heatsink, but that is normal.
You can google themal paste and you will find lots of ideas about the "perfect" method of applying the "perfect" thermal paste, but a small dab in the center and allow the pressure of the heatsink as you tighten it down works for most of us. But you can always get a caliper and laser level out and make sure that it is absolutely level and 3.75 microns in thickness if you want.
Darrell WV
2 Intern
•
482 Posts
0
October 25th, 2009 11:00
Hello meatmaster,
NO it is not allright to put the CPU cooling heatsink back onto the CPU without first removing all of the old thermal paste with alcohol and placing new thermal paste back onto the heatsink. You must remove all of the old thermal paste from both the CPU processor and the heatsink, just be sure that you do not get it onto the front side of the CPU (where the pins fit into the motherboard.
Go to RadioShack/BestBuy/Office Depot or some similar store and get a small tube of ArticSilver5 or similar thermal paste to replace the old paste. It only takes a small amount, and it will take about three to five days to "cure" and be at its maximum ability to transfer heat from the CPU to the heatsink, but that is normal.
You can google themal paste and you will find lots of ideas about the "perfect" method of applying the "perfect" thermal paste, but a small dab in the center and allow the pressure of the heatsink as you tighten it down works for most of us. But you can always get a caliper and laser level out and make sure that it is absolutely level and 3.75 microns in thickness if you want.
Best,
Darrell WV