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System Building
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2004 6:03 pm
by uberpolak
When building a new system, is it absolutely necessary to use thermal paste? If not, just what are the detriments associated with not using it? I ask because I'm lazily putting together a new system, and don't have any handy, nor do I feel particularly inclined to go out and get some.
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2004 9:31 pm
by nigma
Are you talking about using Thermal Paste to install the CPU?
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2004 9:42 pm
by uberpolak
Yeah, between the chip and heatsink.
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 12:38 am
by basdog22
if the heatsink is a new one there is no need to put thermal paste. It has some on it

Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 5:19 am
by Pyrite
And it's not really necessary, but it makes disapating heat much faster from the CPU to the Heatsink. If you have a good heatsink/fan, and you're not overclocking, there really isn't that much difference.
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 5:36 pm
by uberpolak
Thanks guys, good to know, now I don't have to worry about fires or explosions...
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2004 6:28 pm
by Pyrite
Lol. no. Your CPU won't fire/smoke unless you remove the heatsink/fan while its running, and even then, it depends on the CPU (ie. Athlon chips will smoke, P4 chips won't even notice the missing heatsink/fan lol)