build questions

[PTROTH]

OK - finally got all the pieces from Newegg and started build last night.
First question to arise is:

-Q6600 came with small amount of paste already on the fan. It didn't cover the entire processor, though. Do I need to add my own paste? If so, should I clean off the existing paste? What kind of cleaner should I use - paper towel, soft rag, etc.?

[onebxr]

I usually clean that stuff off and replace it with Arctic Silver. I clean mine off with 70% rubbing alcohol. I use coffee filters to get all of the residue off.
-1

[screwballl]

^ yeah what he said

coffee filter?? never heard that one

[PTROTH]

So just wipe it off? No need to clean it more thoroughly tham that?
What do you use to spread it around to cover the whole surface?

[onebxr]

coffee filter is lint free so no lint or scratches on your surface. Make sure you get ALL of the old paste off of your heat sink.
-1

[PTROTH]

And is everything marketed under the "Artic Silver" moniker pretty much the same?

[onebxr]

Yes.
-1

[cured]

Originally Posted by onebxr

Arctic Silver.

Is that used for sticking the heatsink on?

[gvblake22]

Make sure you get thermal compound/grease, NOT thermal ADHESIVE!
Arctic Alumina, Arctic Silver 5, and Ceramique are the most popular thermal compounds from Arctic Silver. The Arctic Cooling MX-2 and Tuniq TX-2 thermal compounds seem to give great performance too, so those are worth checking out. If you want Arctic Silver 5 or Ceramique, you can get free shipping from SVC...

As for cleaning, I prefer to use something greater than 90% isopropyl alcohol (compared to the 70% stuff) because it contains less water and evaporates more quickly.

[azianai]

I personally spent the 7 bucks and got the arctic solution to clean, bottle A and B lol.