Computer Hardware Help → Intel P4 2.8GHz 845PE: uses thermal pad for HSF?

I have an Intel P4 2.8GHz 845PE 478-pin w/ stock Intel HSF that came with the Intel chip as a kit.

I am changing the stock HSF that came with the processor with a Zalman CNPS7000A-AlCu HSF and Arctic Silver 3 thermal compound.

I read through the FAQ on removing the existing thermal grease or pads on the HSF and processor.

But before I do anything, how do I know if it's grease or pads that was originally on it?

Arctic Silver's site says to remove the pads before using it. Well, if my chip has pads, then it's too late? The FAQ doesn't say anything about removing the melted leftover pads from the CPU, but only from the heat sink.

Maybe I'm confusing myself from reading too many FAQ's and posts/threads.

I just want to do this right.

Thanks.

ChrisJT, you would know if a pad was on the CPU since it would have to be put on by you. The stock Intel HSF has the Thermal Pad affixed to the center of it at the factory. CPU's do not have anything affixed to them at the factory. Also a pinhead drop of Arctic Silver 3 is all that is required to be applied more than that just gets squeezed out onto your chip and retains heat which you do not want to do. Have fun.

Be sure to completely remove any traces of the thermal pad from the CPU and HSF before applying the AS3.

Ok, so I should just scrape off the remnants of the pad on the CPU as best I can with a razor, and then clean it with isopropyl? Let dry, and then apply the AC3 as you and Dakine explained?

Yep - try not to nick the bottom of the heat sink. The Artic Silver web site has a real good tutorial on how to apply AS products...

I read through the AC tutorial site, and I'm not planning to use the stock Intel HSF anymore.

Thanks for the reminder.

Update:

Thanks for everyones input on this.

The installation went smooth, although I DID spend an ample amount of time cleaning off the pad residue off my processor.

My temps have dropped about 10-12degC with this Zalman, running my CPU at 100% (crunching for Team Discovery) at last 6 days.

Thanks again!