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    m17x n9400 chipset and Arctic Silver 5

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by tathlyn, Apr 28, 2010.

  1. tathlyn

    tathlyn Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi guys,
    ive recently changed cpu to q9200 and its working great. I used Arctic Silver 5 as a thermal compound.
    My problem is that ever since my chipset tends to work with much higher temperatures like 5-8 C higher. from around 50c to 55-58c.
    I was thinking that maybe i have accidently damaged cooling stuff on it.
    My question is: can i remove old coolant and put Arctic Silver 5 on it?
    What do you think?
    Thanks
    Arek
     
    tathlyn, Apr 28, 2010
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  2. Deathcore

    Deathcore Notebook Consultant

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    Don't hold me to this, But i believe there is a 1mm or so gap between the heatsink + die of the chip (hence why people have used Copper shims etc)

    I think arctic silver was disreagrded as an unsafe choice to apply as over time it tends to thin and could break contact with the heatsink, thus potentially causing future problems.

    There is a thread around with a giant discussion on this subject, Ill see if i can find it for you in a while, if you can't find it. (I'm still at work) :p
     
    Deathcore, Apr 28, 2010
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  3. DR650SE

    DR650SE The Whiskey Barracuda

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    Did you use artic silver on the 9400? Should have left the thermal pad on that. There is a gap between the 9400 and the heatsink so that's likely where the extra heat is coming from.
     
    DR650SE, Apr 28, 2010
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  4. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Hate to correct you two ;)

    When I replaced my CPU with the QX9300, I used Arctic Cooling's MX-3. I applied the MX-3 to the CPU and the MCP79 (9400). No gap - no copper shim required. My temps have been fine. I have had to re-apply a couple of times due to swapping back and forth the CPU, all is fine.

    If your temps are higher than before the application, re-apply and try again. You either used an excessive amount or not enough.
     
    BatBoy, Apr 28, 2010
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  5. Deathcore

    Deathcore Notebook Consultant

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    Ooooh, Thats good to know, I was only going by what i had read from other posters - That kind put me off as the gains i thought aren't really worth the effort of fabricating a shim etc etc as it only peaks around 80c ish,

    Next time i open it up for a clean i'm going to re do it. :p

    Cheers.
     
    Deathcore, Apr 28, 2010
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  6. tathlyn

    tathlyn Notebook Enthusiast

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    i didnt touch chipset - just cpu. Ill do it as you said BatBoy.
    This weekend (im working now)
    Thanks guys
    Ill let you know how it went.
     
    tathlyn, Apr 28, 2010
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  7. BatBoy

    BatBoy Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If you use Arctic Cooling's MX-3 you might want to try using the rice grain method for application. I was not able to spread it. Tried the business card, cling wrap on the fingertip, warming it a bit before application, etc. When I contacted Arctic Cooling's Support folks they suggested the rice grain method for mobile CPUs. Worked great.
     
    BatBoy, Apr 28, 2010
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  8. tathlyn

    tathlyn Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi,
    Here is an update.
    BatBoy, there is a 1mm gap. At least on my machine.
    Ive putted back the old cooling pad - cleaned first with isopropyl, same with heatsink. And temperature is back to normal - around 50c
    And i have what i wanted: 3ghz ;)
    Everything's working fine: stressed chipset do not exceed 78c, processor 75c
    Thanks guys.
     
    tathlyn, May 2, 2010
    #8