Real quick technical question.....

[smearyllama]

So, as I'm building my PC, it seems that I'm gonna need some thermal grease for the CPU's heat sink. On further inspection, it seems that there's a light, sticky film on the surface of the heat sink.

Is this pre-sprayed thermal grease, provided by the manufacturer, or something else?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Skorpyo]

It's a thermal-paste-like substance. Shame it's utter shit, guaranteed.

Use some solvent (Fire-arm solvent works well) to get it off, and apply your own for best results.

 

[NoPants2win]

Thermal grease is generally a white paste.

 

[smearyllama]

It's a thermal-paste-like substance. Shame it's utter shit, guaranteed.

Use some solvent (Fire-arm solvent works well) to get it off, and apply your own for best results.

Well, if I'm not gonna put it through too much (I'm almost definitely not gonna overclock)
then will it work?
Or should I install another PC part tonight and get some of what I need tomorrow?

 

[Skorpyo]

It's a thermal-paste-like substance. Shame it's utter shit, guaranteed.

Use some solvent (Fire-arm solvent works well) to get it off, and apply your own for best results.

Well, if I'm not gonna put it through too much (I'm almost definitely not gonna overclock)
then will it work?
Or should I install another PC part tonight and get some of what I need tomorrow?

It'll work in a pinch, but don't expect it to last more than 1 or 2 years in a machine that you plan on using for gaming. They pump out the heat in spades whether you are O.C.-ing or not.

 

[smearyllama]

It's a thermal-paste-like substance. Shame it's utter shit, guaranteed.

Use some solvent (Fire-arm solvent works well) to get it off, and apply your own for best results.

Well, if I'm not gonna put it through too much (I'm almost definitely not gonna overclock)
then will it work?
Or should I install another PC part tonight and get some of what I need tomorrow?

It'll work in a pinch, but don't expect it to last more than 1 or 2 years in a machine that you plan on using for gaming. They pump out the heat in spades whether you are O.C.-ing or not.

Well, it's gonna last about 2 years before I have to replace the parts anyway, so I guess it'll work for what I need it to do.

 

[Matt_LRR]

It's a thermal-paste-like substance. Shame it's utter shit, guaranteed.

Use some solvent (Fire-arm solvent works well) to get it off, and apply your own for best results.

Well, if I'm not gonna put it through too much (I'm almost definitely not gonna overclock)
then will it work?
Or should I install another PC part tonight and get some of what I need tomorrow?

It'll work in a pinch, but don't expect it to last more than 1 or 2 years in a machine that you plan on using for gaming. They pump out the heat in spades whether you are O.C.-ing or not.

Well, it's gonna last about 2 years before I have to replace the parts anyway, so I guess it'll work for what I need it to do.

Not a big PC gamer here, but wouldn't it be best if you did all you could to take care of your expensive new computer?

Especially since a tube of higher-quality paste costs like 5$.

-m

 

[smearyllama]

Disregard, accidental post.

 

[smearyllama]

It's a thermal-paste-like substance. Shame it's utter shit, guaranteed.

Use some solvent (Fire-arm solvent works well) to get it off, and apply your own for best results.

Well, if I'm not gonna put it through too much (I'm almost definitely not gonna overclock)
then will it work?
Or should I install another PC part tonight and get some of what I need tomorrow?

It'll work in a pinch, but don't expect it to last more than 1 or 2 years in a machine that you plan on using for gaming. They pump out the heat in spades whether you are O.C.-ing or not.

Well, it's gonna last about 2 years before I have to replace the parts anyway, so I guess it'll work for what I need it to do.

Not a big PC gamer here, but wouldn't it be best if you did all you could to take care of your expensive new computer?

Especially since a tube of higher-quality paste costs like 5$.

-m

Ok, I'll get some, but what do you recommend to remove the grease that's already on there?
I don't think it's gonna be easy to get my hands on some firearm solvent, as Skorpyo said.

 

[Virgil]

Well, if I'm not gonna put it through too much (I'm almost definitely not gonna overclock) then will it work?

Unless you're planning on doing something retarded to your machine and messing with the kinds of settings you really shouldn't be if you're asking a question about thermal paste, the stock paste or pad that comes with the heatsink will be fine. I use the OEM Intel heatsinks provided with their newer processors in several machines (including my gaming PC) without any problems at all, including the thermal paste that is pre-applied.

 

[Thee Prisoner]

So, as I'm building my PC, it seems that I'm gonna need some thermal grease for the CPU's heat sink. On further inspection, it seems that there's a light, sticky film on the surface of the heat sink.

Is this pre-sprayed thermal grease, provided by the manufacturer, or something else?

Thanks for any help!

A little WD-40 to get the goo off and then 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean it to get the WD-40 off should work.

 

[Continuity]

Ok, I'll get some, but what do you recommend to remove the grease that's already on there?
I don't think it's gonna be easy to get my hands on some firearm solvent, as Skorpyo said.

Isopropyl alcohol. It's important not to use just any solvent as many will leave a residue that will impair the thermal interface.