Does the thermal compound go bad?

Zeph · Sep 10, 2006, 04:09 AM

Hey, I've been playing games here lately and have found my computer to automatically shut down from my video card overheating. Once I get my system started back up and get a look at speedfan, I find my video card temp up towards 100 C. I know that's the temperature that water begins to boil, so that definately cant be good.

I've got a Shuttle ST61G4, so the video card is on the side with the heatsync and fan on the outside. I always keep the cover off and since it's summer, I've got a two foot fan blowing towards it across the room, so there's definately cool air going towards it at all times. The only thing I can think of would be that the thermal compound to have gone bad.

Is this possible or a common occurance?

NUCLEARWINTER · Sep 10, 2006, 04:32 AM

thermal paste tends to harden over time(AS5 actually gets better with age) but shouldn't fail completely as it would appear with u're scenario. but something is definitely wrong there. 100C is way hot. check for dust buildup on sinc/fan. check to see that the sinc isn't loose preventing good contact. do u remember ever applying any unnecessary force to it?(like if u were uninstalling/installing it?(possible warped card preventing good seat with heat sinc assembly) but it wouldn't hurt to clean off the old thermal paste and throw on some Artic Silver 5 and see what occurs.

crunchyfrog · Sep 10, 2006, 09:31 AM

you forgot to add .... are you overclocking the card ?

H3X4D3C1M4L · Sep 11, 2006, 05:50 PM

Replace the paste... if the fan spins and the heatsink is on and still 100C.... new paste is needed

Zeph · Sep 12, 2006, 10:17 PM

Lol, I typically just come here for the news and I forgot about making this thread.

Quote:

thermal paste tends to harden over time(AS5 actually gets better with age) but shouldn't fail completely as it would appear with u're scenario. but something is definitely wrong there. 100C is way hot. check for dust buildup on sinc/fan. check to see that the sinc isn't loose preventing good contact. do u remember ever applying any unnecessary force to it?(like if u were uninstalling/installing it?(possible warped card preventing good seat with heat sinc assembly) but it wouldn't hurt to clean off the old thermal paste and throw on some Artic Silver 5 and see what occurs.

I treat my hardware like a child, because I typically cant afford to replace it. The fan is working properly and is not loose at all. I suppose it's on the verge of failing completely. I'm planning on buying an AIW X800 whenever I can find a store with one in stock...... I've never been too enthusiastic about thermal paste, but I suppose I need to do what I have to before it burns itself out.

Quote:

you forgot to add .... are you overclocking the card ?

I've never overclocked the card.

Sep 10, 2006, 04:09 AM	#1
Zeph DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 190 Rep Power: 0	Does the thermal compound go bad? Hey, I've been playing games here lately and have found my computer to automatically shut down from my video card overheating. Once I get my system started back up and get a look at speedfan, I find my video card temp up towards 100 C. I know that's the temperature that water begins to boil, so that definately cant be good. I've got a Shuttle ST61G4, so the video card is on the side with the heatsync and fan on the outside. I always keep the cover off and since it's summer, I've got a two foot fan blowing towards it across the room, so there's definately cool air going towards it at all times. The only thing I can think of would be that the thermal compound to have gone bad. Is this possible or a common occurance?

Sep 10, 2006, 04:32 AM	#2
NUCLEARWINTER Reap What You Sow. Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 1,135 Rep Power: 64 System Specs	thermal paste tends to harden over time(AS5 actually gets better with age) but shouldn't fail completely as it would appear with u're scenario. but something is definitely wrong there. 100C is way hot. check for dust buildup on sinc/fan. check to see that the sinc isn't loose preventing good contact. do u remember ever applying any unnecessary force to it?(like if u were uninstalling/installing it?(possible warped card preventing good seat with heat sinc assembly) but it wouldn't hurt to clean off the old thermal paste and throw on some Artic Silver 5 and see what occurs. __________________ insert witty comment here!

Sep 10, 2006, 09:31 AM	#3
crunchyfrog DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: lost in oblivion Posts: 13 Rep Power: 0	you forgot to add .... are you overclocking the card ? __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------- Asrock 939dual sata2 A64 x2 4600 @ 2.4 1gb (2x512)ocz platinum 2,3,2,5 iceq3 x1900xt 512mb SB X-fi xtrm music 300gb sata 16mb 120gb ata133 enermax liberty 500watt -------------------------------------------------------------

Sep 11, 2006, 05:50 PM	#4
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Replace the paste... if the fan spins and the heatsink is on and still 100C.... new paste is needed