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Question

Do I need to put thermal compound on CPU?

Apr 2, 2015 7:18AM PDT

I just swapped out a motherboard, and when I transferred the CPU to the new board, I had scraped off all the thermal compound on the top of it with my fingernail to read the part #. I just assumed there was still some left on the heat sink, so I didn't add any. Do I have to go back and add some compound, or am I ok to leave it as is. Thanks, Ed

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Yes.
Apr 2, 2015 7:20AM PDT

There have been folk debate it. Let them debate. It's a necessary component.
Bob

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PS. Should have added why.
Apr 2, 2015 7:30AM PDT

When you remove the heatsink the old compound is dried out and not to be trusted. Also, there can be air voids if the old compound is smushed around. It's less than a dollar of compound but you find a tube is about 2 dollars. I rarely use half the tube. So a 1 dollar part.
Bob

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You got it...
Apr 2, 2015 7:39AM PDT

Tube ordered. Thanks. Ed

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Temp is good!
Apr 2, 2015 9:38AM PDT

I was nervous, so I downloaded a simple CPU temp monitoring program. The computer has been on all day, and the current temp is 37C. So at least I'm in no immediate danger.

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That's within range for 'idle' so make sure
Apr 2, 2015 11:34AM PDT

you clean off all the old thermal paste from the heatsink and the CPU heat spreader before applying the new paste. If any question...check the WEB as there lots of 'how to' video's about removing the old paste from the heatsink and CPU heat spreader and applying the new paste on a PC CPU.

Let us know how it works out.

VAPCMD

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Thermal paste job done!
Apr 7, 2015 7:45AM PDT

The CPU was running pretty cool, but a couple of bucks is cheap for peace of mind. The old paste came off easy with credit card, and I prepared the surfaces with alcohol. Spread very thin layer on CPU and Heat Sink, and reinstalled. Went pretty smooth.

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Good to hear and Thanks for the feedback.
Apr 7, 2015 10:12AM PDT

How's the TEMP at idle and full use ?

VAPCMD