I feel like such a noob for asking this but it's a problem that has never come up for me in all the time I've been building and servicing computers. The problem is this, every four weeks or so my system will shut down of its own accord. This didn't start happening until I installed a new HSF in November last year. At first I was attempting the usual software fixes when it would shut down and after a few days of re-format and re-install I decided it had to be a hardware issue. Sure enough in tearing my computer down and checking the HSF I discovered that all the thermal grease has cooked off. I go back and clean it and re-apply. I've been running this same routine now about every month.

I've applied the grease using every method I can find online and with varying thicknesses from, transparent to about the thickness of a sheet of paper. I'm using Arctic Silver 3 and the heat sink is all copper, the base of the heat sink has been factory lapped and polished to a mirror finish. I'm running a 2500+ barty and this happens regardless if it's set to stock speeds and voltage or if it's over clocked.

Like I said I feel like an effing idiot asking, but this one annoying problem and I can't seem to shake it. Thanks in advance.

What kind of power?

What do you mean, "all the thermal grease has cooked off"?

BA: If you mean the power supply it's a generic 350 watt that came with the case. I wasn't able to find so much as the OEM suppliers name on the psu.

unholy: When I remove the heatsink there isn't a trace of thermal grease left. When I clean the heatsink and die to re-apply the grease the swab doesn't look as though any grease had ever been applied.

Bumped, because it's happening again and I need some ideas as to what might be going on.

You probably need a better PSU or applying very little thermal paste.

Maybe you're PSU has unstable voltage rails, perhaps overpowering the system.
Try gobbing a crapload of Ceramique all over the die. Ceramique is non-conductive.
Personally, my temps are lower when I use an excessive amount of TIM.

Quote: Originally Posted by TekXoID Maybe you're PSU has unstable voltage rails, perhaps overpowering the system. Try gobbing a crapload of Ceramique all over the die. Ceramique is non-conductive. Personally, my temps are lower when I use an excessive amount of TIM.

Im with tekx here - get non conductive paste and drown the core - be as generous as you like and dont be scared - once the hsf is in place the paste should spread out to an even layer anyway. The fact that there is hardly a trace left sounds like you are putting far too little on - almost as thin a a sheet of paper - which is far too little. The fact the hsf is copper rules out overheating in that area, so apply lots of paste - can u get us some temperature readings at all?

What kind off HDD do you have? IF its a WD mabey its the click of death. My friends does that from time to time, with a 60 gb WD. It will randomly shut off the drive after it clicks and the compy dies.

Try AS-5 or Ceramique..I noticed something similar when I used AS-3, but not as severe as your problem.

Given that I use intel proc's naturally I can apply more of a TIM to the proc. What I've noticed with AS3 is that it does tend to migrate if the temps are consistently high. I'm just thinking that with a smaller amount present you may not easily see where it moved to. What are you using to clean your proc and HSF? There might be something in it leaving a residue which is facilitating the migration of the AS3.

Also, is your system on a network? If so, check the connected systems for any scheduled tasks or apps which may be issuing commands to your rig. Just to be thorough.

Hummm... ok. You guys might have something there with the PSU, it's a generic p.o.s. and the voltages may well be unstable. As for the amount of thermal grease, well I've tried it in varying amounts and it didn't seem to make a difference. I think I'm gonna pick up a new power supply and some Ceramique in a couple of weeks and see if I can get this under control.

On the upside with this new job I'll soon have the money to take care of this stuff when it pops up and not have to wait months .