Applied Arctic Silver 5

[stevogabe]

I have higher temps than before. I read that there was a break in period, and after that it will go down about 5-10 degrees celcius. so, is there a break in period?

[TRow]

stevogabe said:

I have higher temps than before. I read that there was a break in period, and after that it will go down about 5-10 degrees celcius. so, is there a break in period?

When applying AS5 to the VGA, its recommended to Apply a Thick Coat. For Example: 1/2 the Thickness of a CD. The pressure from the Heatsink will distribute the excess.

Test to make sure that the Heatsink and Core are making good contact. Seat the Heatsink, then Take it off and see what areas need more application. Apply AS5 to both the VGA and the Heatsink.


The temperature improvements are subjective to each user, I would expect at least a 4 or 5 degree change.Its True that AS products have a break-in period. Its said to be in the 100 Hour range. Basically the AS5 creates a bond between the Heatsink and the core, that allows for more efficient heat exchange. Over time and usage the AS5 "cures", as well as filling in microscopic 'pits' and 'valleys' due to the uneven surface of the Heatsink.

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For your situation, I would check to make sure the VGA and Heatsink are making good contact. You may need to start over and Apply MORE AS5 to the Core/Heatsink. When I had a 9800XT I think I ran into the same problem, I just reapplied the AS5, only with more vigor then before; The rest was history.

Hope this helps,
T.RoW

[stevogabe]

cool, thanks Trow. I already noticed temperature drops.

[devnull]

Yeah, I put on a new layer of AS5 in mid january. I dont leave my computer on all the time, so its only this week that I noticed my temps went from (CPU) 42C to only 36C idle. Thats really awesome!