How to apply Thermal Interface Material (TIM)

[Herbalist Dr MziziMkavu]

Desktop How to apply Thermal Interface Material (TIM)

The Thermal Interface Material (TIM) is used to provide efficient thermal exchange between the processor Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) and the fan-heat sink. Proper installation of the thermal interface material is crucial to the success of the thermal solution. Failure to properly install the thermal interface material could cause the processor to overheat.

The thermal solutions shipped with the Boxed Intel® Desktop and Server processors comes with the TIM applied to the bottom of the heat sink in a 3 bar application from the factory.

Replacement or reinstallation of the processor or heat sink requires replacement of the TIM. Application of the thermal interface material to the top of the processor is critical in order to ensure effective heat transfer from the processor to the thermal solution. Failure to apply the thermal interface material could cause the processor to either shut down or operate inefficiently.
Intel will be offering the thermal interface material replacement in a syringe and pillow pack for both current and legacy Boxed Intel® Desktop and Server processors over the next few months. After that, the syringe-based thermal interface material will be phased out in favor of the pillow pack version.

This part may be ordered online here.

• You also can order thermal interface material replacement kits through Intel Customer Support. Intel part number is D54816-001 for the syringe and E94211-001 for the pillow pack.

Below are the steps you should follow during the thermal interface material reinstallation process.

Thermal Interface Material Installation (Thermal Grease TC-1996)

STEP 1

Install the processor in the socket if it is not already installed.
Important: Ensure processor and heatsink bonding surfaces are free from previously applied thermal interface material, oil, dust, and any other debris.
Do not add new thermal grease on top of the existing of old grease. TIM is not reusable and previous Thermal Interface Material should be completely removed.
Do not place a sticker or any other material on top of the processor Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). Only Thermal Interface Material (TIM) should be used between the processor IHS and the heat sink. Using any other material will degrade the thermal transfer characteristics and could potentially damage the processor (causing the warranty to be voided).*
Never touch the thermal interface material as any foreign substances (such as oils from your skin, or chemicals) can reduce the effectiveness of the thermal contact. Thermal grease is very prone to smudging and must not be touched.
STEP 2

Remove the syringe from the protective plastic covering. STEP 3

Preparing the Syringe
Open the tip of the syringe by twisting off cap.







OR






Preparing the Pillow Pack
Cut the package on the dotted black line.
STEP 4

Syringe Application
Inject the thermal grease from the syringe to the center of the Integrated Heat Spreader surface evenly.






OR




Pillow Pack Application
Push/dispense the thermal material from the package to the center of the processor surface.
Note: There will be some residue left in the package after installation. STEP 5

Install the heat sink. This applies to: Intel® Celeron® Processor Family
Intel® Core™ i3 Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i5 Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processors
Intel® Pentium® D Processor
Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Pentium® Processor for Desktop