Do I need Thermal Compound for my Q9450?

[One4yu2c]

Depending on which thermal compound you choose, you can expect no difference (generic) to several degrees (see our Editor's Choice picks). You'll be fine with the pad, though here are some points to keep in mind:

1) Removing the pad is not difficult at all, but it can be a little more challenging down the line. Once you've used the pad, it can become quite sticky and you have to take care when removing the heatsink. Otherwise, the processor can stick to the heatsink and you could inadvertently rip the CPU out of the socket, potentially damaging a few pins (in the socket) in the process. A good way to counter this is to remove the heatsink shortly after you've used your system, while the pad is still warm. A less glamorous method is to heat up the heatsink with a blow dryer, making sure you first turn off your system. Gently twist the heatsink back and forth and pry it off.

2) If you're even remotely considering using thermal paste, make the jump, if nothing else than for the experience. By choosing one of our recommended compounds, you will see better temperatures, and cleaning off the existing pad isn't at all difficult.

[b0nk3r]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

Depending on which thermal compound you choose, you can expect no difference (generic) to several degrees (see our Editor's Choice picks). You'll be fine with the pad, though here are some points to keep in mind:

1) Removing the pad is not difficult at all, but it can be a little more challenging down the line. Once you've used the pad, it can become quite sticky and you have to take care when removing the heatsink. Otherwise, the processor can stick to the heatsink and you could inadvertently rip the CPU out of the socket, potentially damaging a few pins (in the socket) in the process. A good way to counter this is to remove the heatsink shortly after you've used your system, while the pad is still warm. A less glamorous method is to heat up the heatsink with a blow dryer, making sure you first turn off your system. Gently twist the heatsink back and forth and pry it off.

2) If you're even remotely considering using thermal paste, make the jump, if nothing else than for the experience. By choosing one of our recommended compounds, you will see better temperatures, and cleaning off the existing pad isn't at all difficult.

You've convinced me! I'm on my way to Fry's

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by b0nk3r

You've convinced me! I'm on my way to Fry's

Atta boy! Be on the lookout for any of the following:

Tuniq TX-2
Arctic Cooling MX-2
OCZ Freeze
Innovation Cooling Diamond 7
Shin Etsu G-751
Arctic Silver 5

[oldman_gamer]

Spit on it...and call it GOOD!



On another note....I agree with the majority. There is NOT 1 person here that would steer you wrong.....with intent.Best of luck with your build...and enjoy!

[b0nk3r]

Whew! That was an adventure. I went to Fry's, who had only Artic Silver stuff. Then I went to Best buy, who sold their in house brand 'Dynex'. So I went to Circuit City, they only have the Antec Formula 5. So I went back to Fry's and got their Arctic Silver 5 ... I did print out the thermal compound review's result list and that was the best I could find!

I'm a little disappointed, mostly because of the travel, but I really wanted the IC Diamond. But hey, in the end... I came home and now I can start building and third party compound is better than stock! Right? :D

Thanks a bunch again guys. You guys rock!!

[stinger608]

Oh yea, Arctic Silver 5 is great Thermal Compound!!!!

That is some of the best on the market, and should serve you very well

[polobunny]

As far as I know you can only buy IC Diamond online so far.
Innovation Cooling

[azianai]

where's parker's mandatory petra shop link?

[Parker]

Originally Posted by azianai

where's parker's mandatory petra shop link?

Here!

Petra's FTW!!

[b0nk3r]

Guys, I found 91% Isopropyl Alcohol :)

Also, here's my build...
My new build - Q9300 under $1500