On 12 Jan 00, at 14:51, Dharam Bhardwaj wrote:

> If once this paste is used, can the cpu and fan ever be separated again
> and still function?

  There is grease, and there is paste.  If you really have paste,
throw it away and get the silicone-based grease instead.  [Radio
Shack carries it ("Heat Sink Compound"?) in a little tube for about
$1.95 for a lifetime supply.]
  The grease should be applied in the thinnest layer you can manage --
 you should be able to still read the lettering on the CPU through
it.  The idea is just to fill in any fine irregularities, so that the
heat sink and CPU make good solid contact.

  The paste is intended to secure a heat sink into place
(permanently...).  For CPU heat sinks, there should be a metal spring
arrangement for that.

  Final note:  Some heat sinks come with a double-sided adhesive pad.
 Use this only if you absolutely must -- paste would be a better
option.

David G

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