Need help with Thermal paste.
 

Due to the recent hot summer temperatures, it seems like my video card is overheating a bit. My screen freezes randomly whenever I play games or even just playing video. I can hear my Video card rebooting when the screen freezes. There wasn't a problem during the last 2 summers. I think the thermal compound isn't working properly. :cry: So I assume it's a heat transfer issue. So with all of RS' expertise, I need to know which thermal compound is decent/good enough yet moderately priced. Around 10-15 bucks or less.

If you're wondering what temperatures are for my GPU (x1900GT). I'm currently using a Desk fan to cool my videocard. LOL. It's hovering around 58 degrees C with a Fan speed of 41%. Seems a bit high.

Thanks in advance! (I wish i had AC lol)

http://www3.telus.net/public/a6a1512.../deskfanPC.jpg

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=96...rctic%20Silver

Are you sure the fan is working?

Well, I hear the fan spinning when the video card is rebooting. Plus when i put my hand to the exhaust vents I can feel warm air blowing out.

have you tried cleaning the card? it's probably clogged with dust

1) clean it
2) get a better fan and heatsink when you do the paste, and make sure you apply the paste properly

Many people are too conservative when applying paste. Too much is no good, but too little will leave gaps and air bubbles.

you've got that backwards, most people overdo it. a very thin film is all you need.

just put a bit in the middle and spread it around using a business card or old credit card
or do what i do put a big on the chip put heatsink on, turn heatsink left and right a bit and bolt it down
then do some stress test on it

remember thermal paste doesnt work right off the bat
needs some time to sit in

Its very unlikely the thermal compound has deteriorated with time or use. Your problem could be your main CPU or something else. I recommend you swap out the video card to insure that is your problem.

Most people who don't know what they are doing will too much. People who "think" they know what they are doing will do the opposite extreme.

i thought peasize and then smudge it evenly is good enough.

For applying thermal paste, I follow this:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm

I've tried many different techniques of applying thermal paste on my video card, but from what I recall on my PC, I put a dot of thermal paste on the center and tightened in my heatsink to the GPU.

Currently running a silent fan, that runs about 880rpm and my temps are 45degrees on average. If I start playing games, it'll go from between 47 - 59degrees. However, I guess this can vary because I live downstairs in the basement, more cooler, not sure if that impacts temperature.

with paste you only want a very thin film, almost transparent. it's job is only to fill the small gaps between the two metal faces. most people think that the compound actually conducts the heat, it doesn't it conducts better than air but not as well as metal to metal contact

if it still doesnt work then just sand down the heatsink and processor

this method works great if you know what your doing

I'm planning to buy the thermal paste this week, will let you guys know how it goes. I guess Arctic Silver Ceramique it is. :)

Okay, can i run this paste on a GPU chipset? It's on sale too so :D

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...4&promoid=1069

Less is more with thermal paste.
And remember guys that stuff is toxic so try not getting it all over your fingers. Stuff is hard to wash off as well.

wow wow..hold on...do you really need arctic silver for x1900GT?
any cheap thermal paste will do the job.

58 deg w/ fan speed of 41%. IS FINE...go google it up

I know you said your budget is 10-15, but if you pony up for $30, you get something spectacular, but DIY.

http://www.inventgeek.com/Projects/d.../Overview.aspx

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...ctic%20Cooling get this and ziptie a spare fan to it. Get it used if you can find one... I used spare AS5 I had lying around. A 5g tube is good for quite a few CPU/GPU applications.

That's what I did with my x1900gt and it's been quiet as a clam ever since, and happily chugging away. I want to do the same to my 4890 that I replaced it with - what a loud MOFO!