Can Silver Thermo Paste Burn The Processor
Hello guys,
I have one of those silver thermo paste injections and I've heard, that it is the best. But I wonder is there a danger in using it? I know that silver is a very strong conductor, stronger than copper and if you put it on the top of the CPU core it may begin to conduct between the pins of the CPU. Can this happen and what are the dangers when putting a thermo paste?
I have one of those silver thermo paste injections and I've heard, that it is the best. But I wonder is there a danger in using it? I know that silver is a very strong conductor, stronger than copper and if you put it on the top of the CPU core it may begin to conduct between the pins of the CPU. Can this happen and what are the dangers when putting a thermo paste?
rindi
No, the paste only conducts heat. But it still shouldn't be applied excessively, as too much will have the opposite effect. First you should make sure both the surfaces (that of the CPU and the Heatsink) are polished clean. Then add only a very small drop of thermal transfer paste to the metal top of the CPU, and then firmly reattach the heatsink. The pressure will distribute the paste evenly between the two surfaces. If you add only a drop it'll be most effective.
The paste should not make contact with the pins.
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/274
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/274
If you drip it into the socket or across pins it will create a short, but as long as you apply it correctly there is no danger.
Most thermal pastes are neither electrically conductive or capacitive. Artic Silver for example is silver colored - there's no silver! THe main reson for avoiding the pins is you prevent seating of the processor and it insulates the pins.
Um, Artic Silver is 99.9% silver:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htm
And silver does conduct electricity
http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele047.html
http://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htm
And silver does conduct electricity
http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele047.html
Yeah... once again -- don't allow the thermal paste to make contact with the pins...
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-kinds-of-thermal-grease.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-kinds-of-thermal-grease.htm
"Silver-based thermal grease contains highly conductive metal particles. This thermal grease is excellent for conducting heat but can also conduct electricity. If accidentally applied to CPU pins or motherboard circuitry, it can cause an electrical short. Caution is advised when applying metal-based thermal grease. Used correctly, however, this type of thermal grease is generally considered superior, notwithstanding the aforementioned. "
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
OK, I will not put thermal paste on the pins and I will not buy myself a stairway to heaven, cos i know not all that glitters is gold ;).