G5 Quad heatsink compound — varied results

[beachycove]

So a week or so ago, I serviced the LCS of my Quad G5, draining, cleaning, etc. All that is something of a story in itself, but I wanted to report here that the heatsink compound used on these machines makes a huge difference.

I originally sourced some SHIN ETSU X23-7783D, which I thought would be a higher-end compound than the generic stuff I have been using (silver-based, however, so not too, too generic). Two separate applications of the SHIN ETSU goop failed — the machine would not calibrate, let alone run well. So I decided to try the other stuff, using the same amounts and the same torques on screws, etc. This led to immediate success.

The moral of the story is that the tolerances on these machines are so delicate that it pays to use the right heatsink compound.

 

[unity]

I always use Arctic Silver. The biggest mistake people make though it using too much. Even from factory too much is often applied. Its just meant to fill the near microscopic gap.

 

[Unknown_K]

Most of the junk that is sold is comparable in quality from the testing I have seen online. Yes, people use too much of that crap and don't spread it around enough.

 

[TheWhiteFalcon]

I use AS5 as well, no issues. Doesn't take much.

I've been redoing the paste on all my Macs, the laptops are next. :-x