Thread: Applying heat sink compound

Since my CPU suffered overheating many times before, I was advised to apply the heat sink compound on my CPU to overcome the problem. How do I apply this and what are the precautions I need to take?

SOLUTION:

Most processors these days are made to perform beyond the cooling capabilities of the cabinets in which they are placed. This causes numerous problems because of overheating. Some heat sinks have rubber pads below them to handle the heating. Over a period of time these rubber layers melt away, causing it to be ineffective and useless.

This is when you need to buy a new heat sink compound and apply it to your processor as reinforcement against the heat produced by it. Before doing so make sure that you get rid of all the remainder rubber on the processor. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective cleaner in this case. You can also use cardboard paper or old credit cards to scrape it off.

After removing this old layer from your processor, you need to add the new layer of the compound. This is available at any computer maintenance store. Here are the steps that take you through the process of applying a new heat sink compound to your processor:

o Clean the top of the processor with a clean, dry cloth. Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used in this process.

o In some cases you may come across a shim that has to be applied as an additional layer on the top of the processor.

o Apply the heat sink compound to the flat, dorsal portion of the processor. Make sure 'that you apply just a thin layer of the compound on the surface and spread it out evenly on the chip. Avoid using your finger to spread it.

o a Attach the fan on the to'p of the processor. Make sure that you place it straight over the layer of compound in a manner that provides with full contact of the same. Fasten the fan with the clips that are present on either side of it.

o Once you are done with the fitting of the fan, cross check to see if any of the cOfllpound has oozed out from the sides of it. If it has then you need to redo the entire procedure by removing the fan and cleaning the portions that have excess compound.

o Lastly, attach the fan to a power source.