Heatsink

I need Hardware help and can't figure out where to go. If this isn't the correct place for such questions, please at least respond telling me where to go for help.

We just got a new system, all in pieces that we have to put together ourselves. Well everything went fine until it was time to install the heatsink over the processor. The directions said to peel off the sticker on the bottom. Well my husband starts peeling, complaining it won't come off, and we find that the sticker is still in the box and wasn't on the thing at all. Its still in plastic even. This means he was trying to remove the glue (or whatever it is) that was on the bottom of the heatsink.

I need to know, is this glue material important for the operation of the system? Can we use it as is, with just a little bit scraped off? If not, can we replace it, or will we have to buy a new heatsink?

Help please! We've been without a system for a week or two and we finally get all the parts then potentially screwed one up. I need to get this solved quickly. Thank you in advance.

The "glue" is an important part, yes. It's what will keep a tight fit between the heatshink and processor.

You can replace it however with thermal paste. I can reccomend ArcticSilver II thermal compound. It's even better than the "glue" that comes with the heatshink at keeping tight fit (tight fit leads to lower temperatures).

To find a place that sells it near you, just do a search on altavista for ArcticSilver 2 (or II)

Just follow the instructions that comes with the paste and you should have no problem.


Good luck.


/Fjodor

Oh, and here's a PS I forgot

You MIGHT be able to put the heatsink on as it is... it depends on how much that is scraped off. However, buying the paste and following the instructions that come with it, will enshure that things will work without problems, and might save your processor from overheating.

Just to be on the safe side I'd get a new one.

they aren't very expensive at all, you can get them as cheap as $12.


HTH

The 'glue' is not a glue at all. Guess why is it on the heatsink? OOOO.. .I know!! it is for the heat to go through the sink faster and then get cooled by fan. Conductor, if you will. So yes it is vital part of processor and heatsink, although you could start computer and see what temp you get on cpu, and if it is uhmm... say above 60 you might want to add some of that 'glue'. At my place it is only $3 per pack which is enough for 5 boxes.