Very high temp spikes after GPU repaste

So i've finally managed to repaste my 780M GPU in my Sager 170SM. I used Artic MX-4. I cleaned both the copper heat sink and the GPU itself of the old paste using alcohol pads.

Then I applied a rather large bead of paste on the GPU die. It was not intentional to be so mucl, as when it first comes out, it shoots out a large amount. I tried to scrape some off using a sandwich bag. I then proceed to use my fingers wrapped in a sandwich bag to spread the paste around the shiny part of the GPU die with fingers gently.

I install back the heat sink. I fear the heat sink might have been bent during my initial removal attempt (see my other thread). Nevertheless, I was able to secure the four screws back onto the GPU.

After putting everything back together, the temps have gotten worse. It still idles at around 40C like previously. But whenever i fire up any application or game, the temps start spiking immediately to around 94C. I've decided to stop using the laptop until i fix this.

So my question is, what could be could be causing these temp spikes?

1) Did i put too much paste ?
2) Did i spread it improperly ? I've heard people suggest using a credit card instead
3) Did i bend the heatsink in such a way that its no longer making good contact with the GPU ?
4) Could I have somehow damaged the GPU in the process?

 

Probably too muh paste indeed. Wipe everything off and put a little drop just on the center of the die and you're ready to go! There bunch of videos on youtube, BTW)

 

I wouldnt spread the paste with anything. Just drop it on the die and evenly cover it with the heatsink, then press.
It has to be covered evenly (by that I mean perpendicular) so it spreads like a circle everywhere.
Press hard, in order to get it to reach as much surface as possible (the paste needs to have a diameter close to the die size).

 

really no need for three threads on this. you applied the paste incorrectly. it's checkers, not chess.

Sent from my PI39100 using Board Express

 

Puget Systems Traverse Pro M550i Component Replacement - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyXLu1Ms-q4

 

Thanks guys. I'll try a repaste today using:

1. Much smaller amount of thermal paste since I know to be more careful with pushing the syringe. Does the blob need to come in one stream or is ok to have separate globs (but next to/on top of each other), in case not enough came out the first time around?

2. Will let the heatsink pressure spread the blob instead of using my fingers/sandwich bag. My only concern is if i have bent the copper heatsink arm out of shape. Basically there's this arm of the heatsink that extends from the base and covers the GPU. When removing it, I tried pulling up on the arm itself, not realizing the base was still secured to the laptop. Now the arm is slightly elevated from the rest of the heatsink unit.

Can this happen and cause the temp spikes I am seeing? If it has been bent, so long as the four screws are properly secured, am i safe?

I guess how sure are you guys that the abnormal temp behaviors after my repaste are due to improper application of the thermal paste vs some other component like the GPU or heatsink having broken during my initial removal process?

3. Also the first video linked showed them manually spreading the paste instead of letting the heatsink do it's job. So which method is right?

 

Don't spread like the first video, have a look at the gaps hes created - which can cause air pockets. Second video has correct methods of application. The second video shows an example of air pockets created by spreading. Don't spread for this exercise at all and yes the pressure from the heatsink will spread the thermal paste.

Remove your heatsink clean both items (GPU/Heatsink) apply a blob just a little over the size of a rice grain, not as big as a pea, this can be achieved in one go with the syringe. install the heatsink and apply pressure then put the screws in one by one, while holding the core of the heatsink down, don't tighten any of the screws until they are all in.

One at a time as well, patience - there are too many variables with spikes in temperature. Do the basics first - repaste your gpu correctly, then monitor your temps. If they are spiking abnormally then move off to the next.

 

Follow kingyr's advice.
Keep in mind, the paste also needs time to settle in, which can take a few days of usage.

If you are unsure whether the heatsink is bent, link us a photo of how it sits so we can check it out.

 

Just got back from trying to repaste. Followed all the advice above. I used much less paste, I did not use my finger to speed the paste but let the heat sink pressure spread it. The temp spikes unfortunately have persisted.

One thing i've noticed is that making the fans go full blast now doesn't seem to do anything to the temps, ie it's not cooling the GPU down anymore. Im wondering if it has anything to do with the heatsink to GPU contact ? Or the fan's contact with the heat pipes. Something is screwed up.

I'm out of ideas , what could I be doing wrong? Really worried now.

I'll post some pics and videos as soon as I can upload them.