![](https://seccdn.libravatar.org/avatar/27aacf61a13c66fcc083fcf8a84823bc.jpg?s=120&d=mm&r=g)
On 8/27/20 8:30 AM, jdd@dodin.org wrote:
yes, it was the first solution, and I did it, but without much difference
I could also change the thermal grease, but I'm reluctant to unmount the thermal pipes :-(
jdd
Save this as your last resort -- but -- I have had good success replacing the thermal grease on old boxes showing heating issues (I prefer Arctic Silver 5) I generally (gently) pull everything apart, and then take an old single-edge flat razor blade and (carefully) scrape the majority of the old grease off the processor (you are not trying to clean it all, just remove the bulk of it). Then I'll use a old rag and WD-40 to remove the remainder of the thermal compound and give it a couple of minutes to dry. (if I didn't have WD-40, I'd probably use 409 or another kitchen cleaner that is a dilute petroleum distillate) I've used this method on everything from 386 on without problem. Apply the new thermal grease (sparingly). You simply want as thin a physical seal between the processor and heat-sink as possible. (if both the processor top and heat-sink base were perfectly flat -- you wouldn't need any thermal compound) Thermal grease/compound, regardless of what it is, is an (insulator) with metals added to help conduct heat, you want as little as possible (once the heat-sink spring clamps are on, you can give it a few small rotational wiggles to help make sure the thermal grease spreads thinly) Then I usually use a wooden toothpick to remove any excess compound that squeezes out. Generally speaking after about 5+ years, the old compound has probably gone though enough heating/cooling cycles (as well as off-gassing any of the nasty stuff it was made of) to make it less efficient at transferring heat. Try regulating the CPU speed first, but if all else fails, a $7.00 tube of Arctic Silver 5 will provide enough for 10 or so machines. -- David C. Rankin, J.D.,P.E. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org