Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
3.
Apply thermal interface material (TIM). New retail processors usually come with
heatsinks that have preapplied TIM (see
Figure 19.9
)
. Some vendors cover the TIM
with protective tape that must be removed before installing the heatsink. You cannot
reuse TIM or thermal grease. If it is damaged, or if the heatsink has already been in-
stalledonce,theexistingTIMmustbecleanedoffandreapplied.Todothis,useasoft
towel or cloth to remove the previous thermal grease from the heatsink and the top
of the processor. Apply new thermal grease to the top of the processor heat spread-
er (metal cap). Use the smallest amount that you can spread over the top of the chip,
usually an amount the size of a “BB” is sufficient. Use your finger (wearing a rubber
glove to prevent contamination) or a hard plastic card (such as a credit card) to spread
the thermal grease in the thinnest possible layer covering the entire surface of the heat
spreader (metal cap).
Figure 19.9
An Intel heatsink with preapplied TIM.
