Reinstallation of CPU -- thermal pad question

[ArtLinker]

I have to remove an Athlon XP CPU from my Abit motherboard in order to
send the motherboard back to Abit for warranty replacement. To remove
the CPU, I will have to remove the heatsink/fan that came with the
CPU. There is a thermal pad on the bottom surface of the heatsink.
When I reinstall the CPU on the new motherboard, can I use the same
thermal pad or do I have to remove the thermal pad, clean the top of
the CPU and the bottom of the heatsink with a solvent, and then use a
new thermal pad or Arctic thermal compound?

 

[Mike T.]

I have to remove an Athlon XP CPU from my Abit motherboard in order to
send the motherboard back to Abit for warranty replacement. To remove
the CPU, I will have to remove the heatsink/fan that came with the
CPU. There is a thermal pad on the bottom surface of the heatsink.
When I reinstall the CPU on the new motherboard, can I use the same
thermal pad or do I have to remove the thermal pad, clean the top of
the CPU and the bottom of the heatsink with a solvent, and then use a
new thermal pad or Arctic thermal compound?

You will need to clean the CPU (and the heatsink) and then use arctic silver
or similar to reinstall it. -Dave

 

[Falco98]

I have to remove an Athlon XP CPU from my Abit motherboard in order to
send the motherboard back to Abit for warranty replacement. To remove
the CPU, I will have to remove the heatsink/fan that came with the
CPU. There is a thermal pad on the bottom surface of the heatsink.
When I reinstall the CPU on the new motherboard, can I use the same
thermal pad or do I have to remove the thermal pad, clean the top of
the CPU and the bottom of the heatsink with a solvent, and then use a
new thermal pad or Arctic thermal compound?

in my experience, if you're using the same CPU and the same heatsink,
you can get away with reusing what's there already, especially if it's
not overly old or decayed or whatever. but also it's probably always
better to use new stuff if you can.

 

[sbb78247]

in my experience, if you're using the same CPU and the same heatsink,
you can get away with reusing what's there already, especially if it's
not overly old or decayed or whatever. but also it's probably always
better to use new stuff if you can.

nice recovery.

 

[dawg]

No one I know would recommend re-using a thermal pad.You can get a
replacement pad or you can get some thermal grease from radio shack. It's
fine for normal use.
You'll need to clean both the heatsink and cpu thoroughly before
re-installing. I use Acetone(nail polish remover) and lint-free wipes. Then
you only need a matchhead size drop of thermal grease spread very thinly on
the CPU