Arctic Silver 5- how to open/order of install?

[QZ]

Regarding Arctic Silver 5 w/P4 P4C800-E Dlx.
Is just a matter of a pushing the syringe? It doesn't seem like the top can
be removed.
Does it tend to drip? If it does, I was thinking, it would be better to
apply it with the CPU in its plastic case, and then install the CPU. What is
the usual order of steps.

Thanks,
QZ

 

[Paul]

Regarding Arctic Silver 5 w/P4 P4C800-E Dlx.
Is just a matter of a pushing the syringe? It doesn't seem like the top can
be removed.
Does it tend to drip? If it does, I was thinking, it would be better to
apply it with the CPU in its plastic case, and then install the CPU. What is
the usual order of steps.

Thanks,
QZ

Instructions and a picture of the syringe are here:

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm
http://www.arcticsilver.com/images_v2/as5/AS5_big_blue1.jpg

Install order can depend on the HSF. If the HSF is easy to
install (i.e. uses screws for hold down), you can install it
after the motherboard is in the case.

If the HSF has some kind of nasty clips, or requires extreme
pressure, where a tool can slide off the clip and damage the
motherboard, then installing the HSF before placing the motherboard
in the case is a good idea. The problem is, some cases have a
metal crossbar riveted on as a stiffener, and this can make it
difficult to slide the assembly into the case - install the
HSF dry and check the fit first. (If redoing the compound in
the future, removal from the case is, again, a good idea. Ask
anyone who has had a slot head screwdriver slip off and strike
the motherboard so hard, a capacitor was stripped off the board
or a copper track got cut. The right size hex driver can slide
over those clips, and can be used to safely install the clip.)

Any time pressure is applied to a motherboard, it should be
properly support underneath. Flexing the PCB can damage the
solder joints on the large chips or the processor socket.

The instructions webpage above says to transfer a dot of compound
with the spreading tool. You can also apply it directly, if you can
figure out how to work the syringe without over squeezing it

I put a Zalman 7000a on my P4C800-E Deluxe, but I still installed
it before putting the motherboard in the case. It was a struggle
to get it into the case without dropping the motherboard. In
retrospect, it would have been easier to install the HSF after
the motherboard was in the case.

As for the CPU, installing it in the socket first, before
"buttering it up", will make it easier for your applicator
tool (old credit card) to spread the product. You don't need
much - I'm still using my first tube of AS3.

HTH,
Paul

 

[QZ]

Thank you for the great info.
However, there is no applicator tool included with AS 5, nor is it needed
for a P4. I had read the instructions, and I know the drop size, and the HSF
spreads the Arctic Silver over the heat spreader. I have the product here.
I am still asking if I simply push the syringe or does the top come off? And
because, in this instance, it is applied directly from the tube to the heat
spreader, is it best to have the CPU out of the board?
I understand that the CPU will then go into the board, and then the HSF is
installed. Luckily I have a Praetorian which has a board tray.

Thanks,
QZ

 

[Noozer]

Thank you for the great info.
However, there is no applicator tool included with AS 5, nor is it needed
for a P4. I had read the instructions, and I know the drop size, and the HSF
spreads the Arctic Silver over the heat spreader. I have the product here.
I am still asking if I simply push the syringe or does the top come off? And
because, in this instance, it is applied directly from the tube to the heat
spreader, is it best to have the CPU out of the board?
I understand that the CPU will then go into the board, and then the HSF is
installed. Luckily I have a Praetorian which has a board tray.

1. CPU into mainboard
2. Small dab of compound onto the CPU
3. SPREAD THE COMPOUND
4. Place the heatsink onto the CPU. Do not tighten it down yet.
5. Lightly press, turn, wiggle the heatsink to settle it into the compound
and work it into any low spots.
6. Finish heatsink installation.

#4,5 and 6 will vary depending on the sink. My Thermaltake 7000alcu could be
90% installed (just don't tighten the screws all the way) and then wiggle it
to settle the compound.

Do NOT just hope that the sink will spread the compound evenly over the CPU.
If you don't drop the sink 100% flatly you could just as easily press all
the compound out one side. You may also get air bubbles, etc.

It's not a BIG difference, but why take the chance?

 

[Noozer]

spreads the Arctic Silver over the heat spreader. I have the product
here.

1. CPU into mainboard
2. Small dab of compound onto the CPU
3. SPREAD THE COMPOUND
4. Place the heatsink onto the CPU. Do not tighten it down yet.
5. Lightly press, turn, wiggle the heatsink to settle it into the compound
and work it into any low spots.
6. Finish heatsink installation.

#4,5 and 6 will vary depending on the sink. My Thermaltake 7000alcu could be
90% installed (just don't tighten the screws all the way) and then wiggle it
to settle the compound.

Do NOT just hope that the sink will spread the compound evenly over the CPU.
If you don't drop the sink 100% flatly you could just as easily press all
the compound out one side. You may also get air bubbles, etc.

It's not a BIG difference, but why take the chance?

Oh ya... it's a syringe. I find it works best if you twist the plunger just
before you're going to use it. Makes it a bit easier to control. Remember to
pull back a wee bit after using it as well.

 

[Paul]

Oh ya... it's a syringe. I find it works best if you twist the plunger just
before you're going to use it. Makes it a bit easier to control. Remember to
pull back a wee bit after using it as well.

There should be a cap on the end - otherwise the good stuff
might leak out. I don't remember any snipping was needed,
just uncap and use. Due to the viscosity, it will take a
little effort to get the syringe to move.

Paul

 

[QZ]

Oh ya... it's a syringe. I find it works best if you twist the plunger just
before you're going to use it. Makes it a bit easier to control. Remember to
pull back a wee bit after using it as well.

I am using the Zalman 7000-alcu. They mention rotating the HSF a few degrees
each way, if possible. I didn't think of keeping the HSF on loosely, turning
it, then tightning it; that's great advice.

What could I use to spread the compound that what would sterile? Certainly
not an old credit card.

Another thing is, they show that the compound doesn't have to end up spread
over the entire heat spreader, after HSF is installed. So I would guess,
being pre-spread, there should even less coverage initially. How much
coverage should there be when I apply the Arctic Silver?

 

[QZ]

There should be a cap on the end - otherwise the good stuff
might leak out. I don't remember any snipping was needed,
just uncap and use. Due to the viscosity, it will take a
little effort to get the syringe to move.

I have the AS-5 *3.5 oz.* It is the lower tube shown there.
<http://www.arcticsilver.com/images_v2/as5/AS5_big_blue1.jpg>

I can't seem to remove the tip; are you sure it is a cap? Can anyone chime
in on this?

 

[Paul]

I have the AS-5 *3.5 oz.* It is the lower tube shown there.
<http://www.arcticsilver.com/images_v2/as5/AS5_big_blue1.jpg>

I can't seem to remove the tip; are you sure it is a cap? Can anyone chime
in on this?

Here is an applicator with the cap removed. This is the one
I've got. They have to fill the syringe somehow, and so the
tip cannot be sealed. Otherwise they'd get air voids in the
contents. That has to be a cap on the end. Either it is a
compression fit, like this one, or it it threaded, and some
how I doubt that. The grease will help make an excellent
hydraulic seal.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/images_v2/as3bmed.jpg

If the tube has been sitting for a while, the cap could be
stuck on there pretty good. Still, avoid the temptation
to push on the piston to get it loose, as the contents
will go everywhere. The advice above, "pull back a wee bit
after using", sounds good, as just like a tube of caulking,
it likes to continue pouring out.

You can see the style of some knock-off tubes here.
The caps on these all look like compression fits:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_fraud.htm

HTH,
Paul

 

[Gordon Scott]

I am using the Zalman 7000-alcu. They mention rotating the HSF a few degrees
each way, if possible. I didn't think of keeping the HSF on loosely, turning
it, then tightning it; that's great advice.

What could I use to spread the compound that what would sterile? Certainly
not an old credit card.

Another thing is, they show that the compound doesn't have to end up spread
over the entire heat spreader, after HSF is installed. So I would guess,
being pre-spread, there should even less coverage initially. How much
coverage should there be when I apply the Arctic Silver?

I use a flat new utility razor blade to spread, like whats in a carpet
cutter.
The tools I use are 99% alcohol, q-tips, kleenex, clear plastic wrap,
lint free cloth sometimes a flat toothpick. The alchohol and qtips are
perfect for cleaning up any mis-applied compound. The plastic wrap is
what i use to prepare the HS, putting a dab on the HS and working it in
with my fingertip wrapped in the plastic wrap. clean the area on the HS
well with alchohol and qtip before applying the compound.

I generally like to spread the grease of AS5 on to the cpu on a
workbench, getting good access to see the chip. put a tiny drop the size
of 1/2 of a grain of rice on the cpu or tip of the razor blade, spread it
fully perfectly evenly thinly. Closely look to see that you have complete
flat even coverage, 1 light controlled stroke of the blade should easily
pass cleanly across the surface, after you have applied to the full
surface of the die.

Use a critical eye throughout the procedures, any foreign substances
(hair, dust, eyelash, dead skin) will contaminate the surface area and
you should reclean and reapply.

Arctic silver and AMD both have extremely detailed downloadable
instructions for cpu installation, be reminded that AMD recognizes
thermal paste solutions only as a temporary measure.

Gordon