Reapplying Thermal Paste...

[Unkno]

Well, I'll soon be getting back my RMA from sapphire and I would like to lower the temperatures (since it loads pretty high...). This would be my first time taking out the stock cooler and I was wondering if all i do is apply AS5 to the core (after cleaning the old stuff) and if it's possible to just keep the old thermal pads for the ram. Would i notice a difference if i removed the thermal pads and used something else? What should I use instead of the thermal pad then (heard AS5 is bad on ram), would the thermal grease that came with my Zalman CNPS9500 work (is it conductive)?

Thanks

 

[zagood]

Test it first, your RMA card may be cooler than the last one. May also be hotter lol...

AS5 in general isn't the best idea for video card heatsinks, but many have had good luck. Just be reeeeeeally careful. I've got AS5 on one of mine and Ceramique on my wife's.

They usually use thermal pads for ram not only because they're safer, but also because of their thickness they make up for imperfections in the card. The ram doesn't always match up perfectly. Once you remove the card it's doubtful that the thermal pads will be in good enough shape to re-use. You can always buy new pads.

Zalman grease will be fine for the heatsink, and the ram if it matches up. You'll just have to check it out.

-z

 

[ElFenix]

as5 is conductive so somehow it can mess up ram (if it gets under the ram, maybe). you could try arctic epoxy if the ram heat sinks need to be glued on. if not, arctic ceramique should work. if you still have the instructions for the zalman maybe it can tell you if it'll work.

for the processor, just use a tiny drop of as5 in the center, then put the heatsink on. the pressure should squeeze out the excess just like it does with CPUs.

 

[Smitdog]

You got the right cooler, now get this: Artic Silver 5 scroll down and get the Thermal remover and purifier both for $5.99.
Go here on how to apply.
Then you should be good to go.