RFI RE: Core 2 Duo Temperature Monitoring

[Quakindude]

Lead, not trying to bash you brother, but the credit card application method doesn't work as well as the new way Arctic Silvers website says to do it.

When I first installed my E6600, I did the rice grain size dab in the middle and spread it around nice and evenly with a sandwich bag over my finger thing...the way I've done it for years. Then, I saw Arctic Silvers' website instructions and someone told me their temps had gone down by about 5C.

Thinking this guy was full of crap, I pulled my HSF assembly off, cleaned everything and then put the thin line right down the middle of the IHS. I then placed my CNPS9500 on top of the CPU, twisted it left and right for about 30 seconds and clamped it down. My loaded temps dropped by 6C and idle by 4C. That right there is the difference between 3.375Ghz and 3.0Ghz on that CPU.

[Lead Head]

Originally Posted by Quakindude

Lead, not trying to bash you brother, but the credit card application method doesn't work as well as the new way Arctic Silvers website says to do it.

When I first installed my E6600, I did the rice grain size dab in the middle and spread it around nice and evenly with a sandwich bag over my finger thing...the way I've done it for years. Then, I saw Arctic Silvers' website instructions and someone told me their temps had gone down by about 5C.

Thinking this guy was full of crap, I pulled my HSF assembly off, cleaned everything and then put the thin line right down the middle of the IHS. I then placed my CNPS9500 on top of the CPU, twisted it left and right for about 30 seconds and clamped it down. My loaded temps dropped by 6C and idle by 4C. That right there is the difference between 3.375Ghz and 3.0Ghz on that CPU.

This is to test to make sure the HSF is making even contact with the IHS, not for the best temps. ;)

[Capper]

LH, the theory is that the heatsink pressure will distribute the thermal grease where it needs to be. I use the same approach Quake mentioned on the test bench, and it makes a difference. The pressure forces the thermal grease into the uneven spaces.
I've never seen a perfectly flat, or even close to perfectly flat IHS, lapping has always made a decent difference....but can be tricky, and voids your warranty.