How to Use Silicone or Silicone-Free Heat Sink Compound

Silicone-based compound and silicone-free thermal compounds are available in convenient syringe dispensers.

Use silicone-based or silicone-free thermal heat sink compound by applying a thin layer between the processor and the heat sink to increase the thermal conductivity. The thermal heat sink compound ensures even cooling of the processor and eliminates hot spots caused by tiny imperfections and contaminants found on the surface of the processor or the heat sink. Thermal heat sink compound can extend the life of processors and is especially important when overclocking a computer for enhanced performance.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-static wrist strap
• Plastic scraper
• Lint-free cloth
• 91% Isopropyl alcohol

Instructions

1. Clip the anti-static wrist strap's alligator clip to the computer case at a location where bare metal is showing and strap the other end to one wrist. Power down the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Remove the heat sink from the CPU by pressing down on the side of the retaining clip that holds it in place and sliding the end of the clip off the plastic retaining tab on the CPU socket. Slide the other end of the clip off the other tab.

3. Scrape off any existing thermal heat sink compound on the CPU or the heat sink using the plastic scraper. Wet the lint-free cloth with 91% Isopropyl alcohol and rub the remaining traces of compound from the CPU and heat sink.

4. Apply a thin layer of silicone or silicone-free thermal heat sink compound to the surface of the CPU.

5. Press the heat sink squarely down on the top of the CPU and attach the fixed end of the retaining clip over the plastic retaining tab and then press the movable end of the retaining clip over the other retaining tab.

Tips & Warnings

• New heat sinks often come with a thin layer of thermal heat sink compound already applied to the contact surface. This layer should be used without additional thermal heat sink compound or should be removed prior to using a new thermal heat sink compound. Replace thermal heat sink compound once a year as part of a preventative maintenance routine to ensure the best protection from overheating.

• Always clean off old thermal heat sink compound from the heat sink and the CPU with 91% Isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth prior to applying a new layer of compound. CPUs are static sensitive and appropriate protective measures should always be taken when handling them or other internal components. Do not touch the surface of the CPU or the heat sink with anything other than the cloth or the thermal heat sink compound to avoid contamination.

References

• Intel: How to Apply Thermal Interface Material
• "CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing & Maintaining Your PC"; Jean Andrews; 2008
• Arctic Silver Incorporated: Arctic Silver Thermal Compound Application Method: Vertical Line

Resources

• Intel Processors: Thermal Management for Notebook Processors
• Tribology Tech Lube: Heat Sink Compounds
• AOS Thermal Compounds: Heat Sink Compounds
• Rawn America: Silicone Heat Sink Compound in a Syringe
• Minicircuits.com: The Prevention and Control of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)