AS5 Application

[Matt18]

I put Artic Silver 5 on my system a few days ago. I know there is a break in period. I was really hoping to get better results than I did. I am wondering if I applied it correctly. I followed the instructions on the website. http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appinstruct/as5/ins_as5_intel_dual_wcap.pdf

Is there a better way to apply it? I am idling at 40c, 50c under load. Seems a bit high. I installed a thermaltake big typhoon at the same time and I was expecting my temps to significantly drop. They didn't. I also installed 2 80mm fans for intake and a 92mm out(thats the only size my case will fit unless I mod.

Do these tems seem right?

CUrrent stats:
Processor 1 (ID = 0)
Number of cores 2
Number of threads 2 (max 2)
Name Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
Codename Conroe
Specification Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6600 @ 2.40GHz
Package Socket 775 LGA (platform ID = 0h)
CPUID 6.F.6
Extended CPUID 6.F
Core Stepping B2
Technology 65 nm
Core Speed 2995.2 MHz (9.0 x 332.8 MHz)
Rated Bus speed 1331.2 MHz
Stock frequency 2400 MHz
Instructions sets MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, EM64T
L1 Data cache 2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache 2 x 32 KBytes, 8-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache 4096 KBytes, 16-way set associative, 64-byte line size
FID/VID Control yes
FID range 6.0x - 9.0x
max VID 1.213 V
Features , VT

EDIT: In case you didn't notice the CPU is overclocked.

[theonetruewill]

My way:
Put a rice-sized amount onto your CPU. Then get a thin rubber glove (similar to a dentists one-although you could probably use a plastic bag..) Then gently rub the AS5 all over the chip evenly with your index finger inside the glove. After it is completely covered in a thin layer (do not apply any more!) then make sure it is even and place your HSF on it.
:)

[Paulieg]

Well, I do think you should reapply AS5 and reseat that cooler, because that is high. Make sure you put no more than a grain of rice size blob on the cpu. It's easy to put too much on it. Also, I have a feeling that case does not allow for very good airflow. You should make sure you've got good cfm out of those fans.

[mandelore]

My way:
Put a rice-sized amount onto your CPU. Then get a thin rubber glove (similar to a dentists one-although you could probably use a plastic bag..) Then gently rub the AS5 all over the chip evenly with your index finger inside the glove. After it is completely covered in a thin layer (do not apply any more!) then make sure it is even and place your HSF on it.
:)

i do the same, thats the best way with tradition TIM that comes in a paste/gloop form.

[ghost101]

Only rub a thin layer if your cpu and heatsink is lapped. Otherwise you get very poor contact where only the edges make contact. Use the as5 line method if you havent.

Others argue, rubbing a thin layer you introduce bubbles creating poor contact. If you let it spread by itself, no bubbles are created since the compression will smooth everything out.

[Matt18]

Thanks. Neither the CPU or the heatsink is lapped.
I agree that this case needs better cooling. I am going to check the CFM of these fans. I also think I am going to mod the case to fit a 120mm fan in the back. It will definitely be a tight fit though... There is also a spot on the side of the case for another 80mm that aims right at fan on the thermaltake, I know this will help, I did it on another machine, but then I need another fan to suck air out.

This whole cooling/over clocking thing is addictive!

[Matt18]

Update: I reapplied the thermal paste, I used a rice size amount as suggested. I also cleaned up the wire mess inside my case. My idle temps are now at 35-36c and orthos temp at 45c. Temps are a few degrees cooler w/ the case open.

Thanks for you help guys. I have a feeling this is about as good as it will get without modding the case.

[Kursah]

Not bad results...and you should still drop 1 or 2 degrees-ish after break-in.

When running orthos do you use Priority 9 / Small FFT's? If not, try that out, it's a heavier load on your CPU for stress test.

Glad to see you making progress Matt! :toast:

[btarunr]

Most CPU's that are not lapped have a slight concave surface. Just drop a blot of the AS-5, use an old(dead) credit-card and level it to a thin layer as you slide the card over the CPU surface. This is similar to creating blood-smears on a glass-slide. The layer should be of a reasonable thickness so that when you make it come in contact with the surface of the heat-sink, it should not flood-out. The layer should be of levelled thickness. That should do.

[CrAsHnBuRnXp]

My way:
Put a rice-sized amount onto your CPU. Then get a thin rubber glove (similar to a dentists one-although you could probably use a plastic bag..) Then gently rub the AS5 all over the chip evenly with your index finger inside the glove. After it is completely covered in a thin layer (do not apply any more!) then make sure it is even and place your HSF on it.
:)

Applying AS onto quad cores is different than that of a single or dual core.

If you have the Q6600 B3 stepping it will run hot. That is why Intel came out with another revision known as the G0. That is the stepping you want. Unfortunately for myself, I wasnt so fortunate. However I did buy some diamond thermal paste and it lowered my temps considerably.

So if you have the B3 stepping of the Q6600, I would either A) deal with it (i know it makes me sound like an ass but I dont intend for it to sound that way) or B) Return the CPU if you have recently bought it and go to a site that sells the SLACR G0 Stepping quad core.

[keakar]

Update: I reapplied the thermal paste, I used a rice size amount as suggested. I also cleaned up the wire mess inside my case. My idle temps are now at 35-36c and orthos temp at 45c. Temps are a few degrees cooler w/ the case open.

Thanks for you help guys. I have a feeling this is about as good as it will get without modding the case.

well i recommend the first thing you do is redrill any air holes with a 3/16" drill bit to let in more air and cut out any fan openings if you havent done that already (they hold back airflow a lot) and think about putting a fan on the top of case between the psu and drive bays (leave room to remove psu).

if you read my guide to case airflow and it might give you some ideas to improve your case cooling.