Help with Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Paste

Ok guys,

I just ordered some new stuff for my system. I'm putting in some new lighting and an Arctic VGA Silencer.
Here's what I need help with:

I also ordered some Artic Silver 5 to make sure I get the best heat transfer from GPU to VGA Silencer. I am also planning to clean up the old stuff (Arctic Silver Ceramique) off my CPU and replace it with the Arctic Silver 5.

I need some help (a guide maybe) on how to completely remove the thermal paste that is on my GPU, CPU, and heatsinks, as well as a guide for the best way in applying it.

I followed Artic Silver's instructions when I applied the Ceramique, but I have noticed that some ppl are spreading it out over the CPU core in a thin sheet. How do I do that, and is it the best way?

Thanks a lot guys...

to remove the junk from your HS, just scrape it off with a razore blade, then wipe off the rest with a clean, lint free cloth and some high concentration isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol).

As for applying the paste, its my personal preference to spread it out in a thin layer, to make sure the entire core is covered. it doesn't matter so much if you put too much paste, because up to a certain point the mounting pressure of the HS will spread it out evenly anyway.

Does it really make a difference what % alcohol you use? I can't seem to find anything higher than the typical %70.

Also, I had to reapply my thermal paste once and the temp went up 2º. I think it might have been because I used a little more than the previous time.

I am looking to get the best temps by completely removing all traces of the previous paste and applying the Arctic Silver 5 in the best way possible.

Quote:

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Originally posted by eysikal
Does it really make a difference what % alcohol you use? I can't seem to find anything higher than the typical %70.

Also, I had to reapply my thermal paste once and the temp went up 2º. I think it might have been because I used a little more than the previous time.

I am looking to get the best temps by completely removing all traces of the previous paste and applying the Arctic Silver 5 in the best way possible.

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the higher the % the faster the stuff evaporates leaving less traces behind...

and i think your temps went up after you re-applied because it wouldn't not have "melted-in" (settled into the cracks) yet, but after a while, your temps should go down...

70% is fine, its all I can find at my grocery store.
And AS5 takes about 200 hours of running time to "burn in", or completely settle into all the cracks and grooves of the heatsink. temps can drop anywhere from 2-5 C during this time, in my experience.

Quote:

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Originally posted by thrawn86
As for applying the paste, its my personal preference to spread it out in a thin layer, to make sure the entire core is covered.[/B]

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What is the best method for getting a clean, thin, even spread?

i like to use the single razor blades that you can buy in packs at home depot. In a pinch though you can use anything small and flat. ie: a credit card.

ok, I will do that then...

Thanks