Modifying my PC Other Vista Discussions Discuss Modifying my PC in the Windows Vista forums; One thing I noticed about my CPU was the fluctuation of the temp at idle. Though fluctuation is normal, it's supposed to stay within a certain range. When I ...

[felix8406]

One thing I noticed about my CPU was the fluctuation of the temp at idle. Though fluctuation is normal, it's supposed to stay within a certain range. When I installed the heat-sink, I remembered using the regular paste that came with it. So today, I decided to use Artic Silver 5 instead. I removed the old paste from the CPU and heat-sink with alcohol and made sure the were spotless cleaned. Placed one drop, each about the size of a rice-grain, of Artic Silver 5 on top of the CPU, placed the heat-sink on top of the CPU and moved it around to spread the Artic Silver 5; then completed the installation.

Cranked-up the PC, the BIOS show a CPU temp of 13°C and steadily got to 17. I then played with Vista for a little while and let it idle for about 20 minutes. The fluctuation is less than one degree, even while I'm typing this. My conclusion” Artic Silver 5 does make a difference.

Note1: As recommended by Artic Silver 5 manufacture (you can download the instructions from their website), when applying the paste to the CPU, you should not spread the paste neither with your fingers or a spreader. The reason been is that air may get trap in between ridges as it's spread. By placing a small amount of paste on the center of the CPU and using the heat-sink to spread the paste, you minimize the chances of creating air bubbles. Just a slight pressure on the heat-sink, while turning it slightly left and right will do the trick.

Note2:Use gloves or clean plastic bags (lunch bags) when handling the CPU and heat-sink. Fingers leave markings with oil, salt and moisture – not a good thing for parts subjected to heat.

[Vistanoob]

What excellent info about spreading the thermal paste. I have often read of using a credit card or something like that to spread it. The way you described sounds so much safer.
(Bye the way the other thread with the link to the oil-cooled unit was really interesting too! Who would have believed it?? amazing!!)

[felix8406]

Yes, you are right, the recommended way has been the use of a credit card or something similar. Some companies include a plastic card the size of a credit card with the paste.

Well, glad you found the info useful, apparently no one else does. And yes, the oil-cooled PC was "cool".