using thermal epoxy on a video card

Squishyface · 02-26-2001, 09:57 PM

I'm modifying a riva tnt2 ultra by removing the stock hsf and putting a thermaltake orb on the chip.
What i'd like to know (from those who have tried this) is....if i get the epoxy on the pins, will it fry the chip? And, if so, can i just use that conformational silicone to coat the pins...or is there another way to keep the pins from harm?
Would i be safe just using a very small amount of epoxy?
Also, do i apply the epoxy the same way as the thermal goop?...put a dab on and spread it out with a razorblade?

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1.2Tbird @1352 air cooled. Soon to be watercooled :P

geroxx · 02-27-2001, 04:48 AM

The epoxy on the pins could be a major problem. If you get some on them try and remove it using rubbing alcohol and a very soft toothbrush or cotton swab. Be gentle around the pins!

On "How to Apply?" Follow the directions. I have used thermoepoxy that used an accelerator that you brushed on one surface and a spooge of the epoxy on the other. once the two meet they start the bonding cycle.

You can spread out the epoxy but be extra careful around the edges as you don't want to get it on the pins.

The amount of epoxy should be just enough to cover the GPU where when you press the heatsink on it will make full contact with the epoxy but will not be pressed out and come in contact with the pins.

HtH
G

Kevin · 02-27-2001, 07:24 PM

Hmmm... I didn't know epoxy was conductive.

Squishyface · 02-28-2001, 12:59 PM

i thought thermal epoxy was conductive

hrm, guess i better do some more research

------------------
1.2Tbird @1352 air cooled. Soon to be watercooled :P

Kevin · 02-28-2001, 05:52 PM

I'm not saying it is... I just don't know either way :/

Freakyfrank · 03-03-2001, 05:09 AM

i also thought is wasn't conductive..

but first do some research before blowing up your vid..

Squishyface · 03-04-2001, 08:46 AM

I finally recieved the epoxy from dangerden and they referred me to a site with application instructions and warnings.
They 'say' that its minimally conductive...but they also say to coat your pins with silicone before using the epoxy.
So, i take that to mean its conductive!

------------------
1.2Tbird @1352 air cooled. Soon to be watercooled :P

UnaClocker · 03-15-2001, 05:58 AM

Damnit man.. I hosed my GF2MX yesterday with arctic silver epoxy.. I knew I got some on the pins of the ram, did my best to clean it off, maybe I got more on them when I put the heatsink on, either way, the video card goes black at random now, can't do ANY 3d.. Have to press the windows key, and put the computer into standby mode for about a minute to get the video to come back.. It's driving me nuts.. Guess I'm getting a Radeon VE with my tax return.. They seem pretty cheap, and should outperform my MX with their DDR ram and all..

So as a future note, be VERY CAREFUL with Arctic Silver on ram chips.. This card will be tossed into my junk box for future use in a Linux server or something..

------------------
The UnaClocker
Overclock till it goes BOOM!
Watercooler extraordinaire!

02-26-2001, 09:57 PM	#1
Squishyface Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: columbus, Ohio, USA Posts: 54	using thermal epoxy on a video card I'm modifying a riva tnt2 ultra by removing the stock hsf and putting a thermaltake orb on the chip. What i'd like to know (from those who have tried this) is....if i get the epoxy on the pins, will it fry the chip? And, if so, can i just use that conformational silicone to coat the pins...or is there another way to keep the pins from harm? Would i be safe just using a very small amount of epoxy? Also, do i apply the epoxy the same way as the thermal goop?...put a dab on and spread it out with a razorblade? ------------------ 1.2Tbird @1352 air cooled. Soon to be watercooled :P

02-27-2001, 04:48 AM	#2
geroxx Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 8	The epoxy on the pins could be a major problem. If you get some on them try and remove it using rubbing alcohol and a very soft toothbrush or cotton swab. Be gentle around the pins! On "How to Apply?" Follow the directions. I have used thermoepoxy that used an accelerator that you brushed on one surface and a spooge of the epoxy on the other. once the two meet they start the bonding cycle. You can spread out the epoxy but be extra careful around the edges as you don't want to get it on the pins. The amount of epoxy should be just enough to cover the GPU where when you press the heatsink on it will make full contact with the epoxy but will not be pressed out and come in contact with the pins. HtH G

02-27-2001, 07:24 PM	#3
Kevin Slacking more than your weird uncle Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: San Diego, CA (UCSD) / Los Angeles, CA (home) Posts: 1,605	Hmmm... I didn't know epoxy was conductive.

02-28-2001, 12:59 PM	#4
Squishyface Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: columbus, Ohio, USA Posts: 54	i thought thermal epoxy was conductive hrm, guess i better do some more research ------------------ 1.2Tbird @1352 air cooled. Soon to be watercooled :P

02-28-2001, 05:52 PM	#5
Kevin Slacking more than your weird uncle Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: San Diego, CA (UCSD) / Los Angeles, CA (home) Posts: 1,605	I'm not saying it is... I just don't know either way :/

03-03-2001, 05:09 AM	#6
Freakyfrank Cooling Savant Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Eindhoven, Holland Posts: 238	i also thought is wasn't conductive.. but first do some research before blowing up your vid..

03-04-2001, 08:46 AM	#7
Squishyface Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: columbus, Ohio, USA Posts: 54	I finally recieved the epoxy from dangerden and they referred me to a site with application instructions and warnings. They 'say' that its minimally conductive...but they also say to coat your pins with silicone before using the epoxy. So, i take that to mean its conductive! ------------------ 1.2Tbird @1352 air cooled. Soon to be watercooled :P

03-15-2001, 05:58 AM	#8
UnaClocker Cooling Savant Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 514	Damnit man.. I hosed my GF2MX yesterday with arctic silver epoxy.. I knew I got some on the pins of the ram, did my best to clean it off, maybe I got more on them when I put the heatsink on, either way, the video card goes black at random now, can't do ANY 3d.. Have to press the windows key, and put the computer into standby mode for about a minute to get the video to come back.. It's driving me nuts.. Guess I'm getting a Radeon VE with my tax return.. They seem pretty cheap, and should outperform my MX with their DDR ram and all.. So as a future note, be VERY CAREFUL with Arctic Silver on ram chips.. This card will be tossed into my junk box for future use in a Linux server or something.. ------------------ The UnaClocker Overclock till it goes BOOM! Watercooler extraordinaire!

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