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Arctic Cooling heatsinks - how to keep them on?

Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 8:36 am
by CA_Steve
I've had an AC L2 Pro on my HD 5770 for a few years. Every time I open my case, I find another VRM or RAM heatsink has popped off the board. It might have just happened during the movement of the case, or it might have happened in the last 6 months since the case was last opened up. <shrugs>

Anyone have a better adhesive solution? I'm tempted to find a thermally conductive epoxy and call it a day :)

Re: Arctic Cooling heatsinks - how to keep them on?

Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 2:59 pm
by quest_for_silence
CA_Steve wrote:Anyone have a better adhesive solution? I'm tempted to find a thermally conductive epoxy and call it a day :)


With a Thermalright Spitfire I used the Arctic Silver adhesive for the auxiliary heatsinks: it works, but cannot be removed (or at least, I haven't found a way to do so without destroying the card).

At any rate, I mean you already know it: so gimme a call if you find out any long lasting thermal pad. ;-)

Re: Arctic Cooling heatsinks - how to keep them on?

Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 4:26 pm
by lodestar
Thermal adhesive tape works such as the Akasa product.

Re: Arctic Cooling heatsinks - how to keep them on?

Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 5:07 pm
by CA_Steve
That's a possibility. Also came across Sekisui 5760 in a search.

Re: Arctic Cooling heatsinks - how to keep them on?

Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 9:28 pm
by quest_for_silence
CA_Steve wrote:That's a possibility. Also came across Sekisui 5760 in a search.


And which chinese supplier would be a good source of it? Well, if you mind about somehow unproven solutions, there's also the infamously costly Fujipoly tape (give a look at the frozencpu store), while Amazon show off some more economical offerings (Gino, Startech, Ziotek and the likes).

I know for sure Akasa won't last for long time (I used the AS adhesive to replace some Akasa pads), while Fujipoly claims a twentyfold increased thermal conductivity over it.

Re: Arctic Cooling heatsinks - how to keep them on?

Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 10:26 pm
by flemeister
CA_Steve wrote:Also came across Sekisui 5760 in a search.
I can vouch for Sekisui #5760 as a reliable thermal tape. Used it with my 2x 5770 rig a couple of years ago, and never had any of the RAMsinks fall off. As with any thermal tape, press down firmly for about 30 seconds to ensure good contact.

http://oi52.tinypic.com/34rbzhg.jpg

Re: Arctic Cooling heatsinks - how to keep them on?

Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 3:12 am
by flinx
In a pinch, you can use regular heatsink compound and put some drops of super at the corners. It also allows you to easily remove the heatsink later by twisting it if you want to use it on another card. Acetone (nail polish remover) can be used to dissolve the glue. Just be careful when twisting so you don't remove the chip itself.