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Processor and Heatsink?
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Posted by: FadedMaster
Alright, some of you might have seen my post ealier when I was asking about things I should get for my computer. Well, I got an AMD Athlon XP 2400. I was reading up online about heatsinks and cpu fans and such. As far as I could gather (and I'm not that great with hardware) a heatsink is the thing I see under the fan that is clipped to the processor.
Anyways, I have a fan that's screwed into, what I'm guessing is the actual heatsink, a black cube-shaped piece that has, for lack of a better term, alleys running in a criss-cross pattern. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. I've read that a 'thermal grease' is used to help in the transfer of heat. I was wondering precisely what a heatsink is, and if this 'thermal grease' is necessary. I have this grease that absorbs a lot of heat, I belive it's called Thermal Block, and I also have this grease that is grey, and extremely sticky. That's used for gas pipes and such, you know for gas powered stoves. Anyways, to summarize:
What is a heatsink?
What is this 'thermal grease' I have read about?
Is it required, and if so, where would I be able to find it?
Thanks, sorry for the long post.
Posted by: trekpsycho
Yes the heat sink is the thing between the fan and the processor.
Thermal grease is applied between the processor(CPU) and the heatsink and is what transfers the heat to the heatsink from the processor. It is very necessary! Without it you risk a fried CPU.
You have to use a thermal compound that is designed for the job. I've heard a lot of the gurus on this board recommend Artic Silver, although I personally have no experience with it.
Posted by: FadedMaster
Thanks for your response.
Posted by: FadedMaster
I've run into a problem. It's where I live. There's almost nowhere I can get Arctic Silver. I've checked at Staples, Office Max, and Radioshack's websites. I can't find anything there. Maybe there's an alternative? I've read about the double sided tape stuff, or whatever, and read that it melts to the processor. That doesn't sound nice.
Posted by: The-AoD
Heatsinks are designed to "pull" heat from the processor. What they do, is basically dissipate heat effieciently. The better it dissipates the heat, the better the heatsink is. Thermal compoud is used between the heatsink and the actual processor's "core". To keep from any chance of electrical shortings, and to enable the best possible heat transfer from the processor to the heatsinks. Fans assist the heatsink in cooling the heatsink, for more effiecient cooling. 
Posted by: trekpsycho
Would this page help?
Posted by: FadedMaster
I already looked at that page. All the areas in my state are too far for me to reach. I'm probably going to be forced to order some online, or call up the local computer/office stores to see if they have anything.
Posted by: redwench
a local computer shop that sells parts would be your best bet locally. otherwise, you can get it online. try www.newegg.com or www.zipzoomfly.com . most of their stuff is shipped 2nd day for free.
dont use anything that isnt specifically designed for this purpose.
Posted by: FadedMaster
I called around and RadioShack has "heatsink compound." I'm willing to bet that's what I want. 
Posted by: redwench
better inquire exactly what it is. it could be the old crappy stuff.
Posted by: FadedMaster
The guy said it was a silicone based substance.
Posted by: redwench
ok, go here: http://arcticsilver.com/products.htm
decide which one would best suit your needs, then call up radio shack and ask them for a compound with the exact same ingredients, in the same amounts. note that silicone does not appear in those thermal compounds.
Posted by: FadedMaster
The guy working there doesn't know crap. I'm just gunna drive up there and see what they have.
Posted by: FadedMaster
I was looking around online, and I have seen some thermal gels that are silicone based.
Posted by: redwench
those are for old processors, or should be. you shouldnt be using a silicone-based compound on a p4 or xp. silicone containing and silicone based are different.
Posted by: Bix VT
I'd say use nothing less than Arctic Silver III. Arctic Silver 5 is what I use on all of my CPUs and they run cool and quiet.
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