Heatsink Problem

Hi,

I installed the stock Intel E8400 heatsink on my motherboard. However, the pins came loose so I had to remove it. I noticed that the thermal grease was spread out on the processor. I placed the heatsink back on the motherboard and properly secured it. Do you think that it is okay even though I lifted up the heatsink after the thermal paste had been spread? Or do you think I would need to clean off the grease and start over?

I'm getting an idling temp of about 36 celsius with the E8400.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
James

 

Normally, once the heatsink is removed, it is adviseable to clean the CPU and apply fresh paste. What was your temps BEFORE you removed the HS? If it's still running about normal, then I'd say let well enough alone. However, if it has increased considerably, I'd say it's time for a 'clean and paste' job.

 

36 degrees is nothing to worry about- in fact its pretty cool.

 

I don't know what my temps were before I removed it because I just installed the processor and I hadn't even started the computer up before I had to remove and reposition the heat sink.

 

That being the case, I'll have to go along with Gimpster and say that with those temps, you'll be just fine. I wish I could get my AMD 3200 to post temps like that! However, that isn't likely to happen:cry

 

Hi MJ,

The thermal grease is supposed to 'spread out'. It only fills minor imperfections on the two surfaces to improve heat transfer. The guys are correct that you should clean and add new. Only a thin coat is needed on the surface. Too much will be spread out and make a mess.

Good Luck, Jim