Question 1

How many chips will this be good for. Building 3 rigs. Is there enough in this tube for all 3?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You want a THIN layer between the CPU and the cooling fan/heatsink assembly. I'm not sure about how many, but I have already used it on two, and there is plenty of paste in the dispenser. Look for a video by Artic Silver. They stress that , for maximum heat conductivity, a THIN layer is all that's needed.

Question 2

Is this compound conductive?

Accepted Answer

NO IT IS NOT. This is a common misconception with AS5
If you go to Arctic Silver's website and look at the product description it specifically states that it isn't...:

Not Electrically Conductive:
Arctic Silver 5 was formulated to conduct heat, not electricity.

however to cover their assets (pun intended) they state the following:

(While much safer than electrically conductive silver and copper greases, Arctic Silver 5 should be kept away from electrical traces, pins, and leads. While it is not electrically conductive, the compound is very slightly capacitive and could potentially cause problems if it bridges two close-proximity electrical paths.)

Question 3

I watched a video detailing the use of some stuff you buy to clean off the old thermal paste.  Are they trying to sell stuff that isn't really necessary?  Could I use rubbing alcohol instead?

Accepted Answer

Rubbing alcohol can be used, however you must ensure you do not get it on any other part of the hardware and you must let the hardware dry before attempting to put more thermal compound on it.

Question 4

Is compatible with Xeon Process? How many CPUs per vile?

Accepted Answer

Note from their website:
Caution-
We do not recommend using Arctic Silver 5 on the older slot type Intel Xeon processors with large multiple square inch CPU to heatsink interfaces. The huge contact area and large gaps between the processor and the heatsink require a thermal pad or thick mesh-reinforced paste. Arctic Silver 5 can be used on socket type Xeons without a problem.

I searched "artic silver arctic 5 thermal paste"

Question 5

how do you apply this compound?

Accepted Answer

The "proper way" is to make a line in the center of the CPU in the same direction that the die lays. Really though, you will see minimal difference between this and just plopping a bit in the center about the size of a pea. I work in a data center and build computers every single day. I also have built several gaming rigs, and delided my cpu. Trust me, the difference is so minimal it doesn't matter.

Question 6

Are there directions for taking off the grease that is on the heatsink and processor already?

Accepted Answer

No, but wipe off as much as you can using a moist paper towel (scraping the majority off with credit card first made this easier for me).  Then moisten another paper towel with 70 percent isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and wipe of the rest with that.  Allow to dry. Then replace with the arctic silver.  Use a small amount in the corner of the processor and spread it to a thin layer with a credit card.

I hope this helps.

Question 7

Is this product safe to use on a gpu?

Accepted Answer

Yes, watch Jayztwocents on youtube, theres a video labeled "dont try this at home" and he takes apart a GPU completely and uses about a whole tube of thermal paste on the GPU. It works. The GPU is different from a CPU where as its built into something, and CPU you have to plug it into a connector so the amount of paste that should be used is different comparatively.

Question 8

Would this be usable for heat transfer for temp sensors? Does it set up to be hard or semi or does it stay soft like thermo grease?

Accepted Answer

It stays soft like thermo grease.  Mainly because it is thermo grease.

Question 9

what is this used for?

Accepted Answer

This is a must have to transfer heat from your CPU/Processor to your heat sink or cooling unit when you instal a new CPU in your computer. I personally use this product and you only need a drop and spread it in a even coat on your CPU before adding your heat sink.

Question 10

Once the tube has been opened and used once, how long can it be stored before you're better off buying a new tube next time?

Accepted Answer

I personally would wait up to 4 years, but if you want to be as proactive as you can, i wouldn't let it sit longer than 2 years before getting new paste. As it sits, even if there is a good seal, the material can still go through a slow chemical change that will sooner or later dry itself through.

Questions & Answers