Many PC Chips mothersboards have been known to overheat the chipset, causing instability and in some cases, permanent damage to the hardware. The glue / double-sided tape used to attach the heatsink to the chipset does not always allow for good heat conduction to the heatsink. Removing the heatsink and applying a thermal grease has been known to improve heat conduction. This often results in improved stability, but at the least, a longer life of the chipset. I have provided simple instrucitons and images of the process. Click on the images to view them in full size.

I recommend using Arctic Silver III for this process and reading the official instructions before doing this mod.

Disclaimer:
This information is not my own work, but was gathered from various postings at The PC Chips Lottery BBS. The information and instructions provided on this page are for computer experts only. If you are not confident with computer hardware modification, then please don't attempt this. This procedure will most definitely void your motherboards warranty, and if done incorrectly, damage your pc hardware. Use this information at your own risk!

This site is not affilated in any way with Arctic Silver, PC Chips, The PC Chips Lottery BBS or any Superglue or Cue-tip manufacturer.

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1. Find the chipset

Unplug your pc and remove the side cover. Before touching the insides of the pc, either use an anti-static strap, or hold the case with your free hand. The chipset is covered by the golden heatsink in the middle of the motherboard.

2. Gently twist the heatsink.

If your pc has been running for a while immediately prior to doing this mod, then the glue on the heatsink should be quite soft. Gently twist the heatsink clockwise and anti-clockwise - without pushing down on the motherboard. This may take a few minutes, so don't be impatient. Twisting with too much force, pushing down on the motherboard, or pulling the heatsink upwards can seriously damage your motherboard. So be very gentle, ok?

3. Remove the goo from the chipset.

Most of the glue can be removed from the chipset with your thumb with gentle rubbing. Don't rush this either, else you might leave too much glue behind.

3b. Remove the residual glue.

With a cue-tip / cotton tipped stick and some alcohol, gently rub the remaining glue off the chipset. Be very careful not to drip alcohol onto any of the electronics. Don't apply too much either. Don't use alcohol if this is alot of glue left, else you get a great glob of goo on your chipset. All the best in trying to cleanly remove that mess! ;-)

3b. The clean chipset.

Your chipset should look as sparkling clean and beautiful as this. Avoid leaving finger prints on the surface, or a residue from your cleaning solution.

4. Remove the goo from the heatsink

In the same way, remove the glue from the heatsink. Spread a sheet of fine emery paper / sandpaper onto a dead flat part of your workbench. Gently rub the underside of the heatsink until the paint is removed. Make sure you don't gouge deep scratches into the heatsink. We want it smooth and level.

4b. Prepare the heatsink.

Clean well alcohol, and try not to touch the surface with your fingers. Grease from your fingers is no good from Arctic Silver III (according to the official instructions). Squirt a little Arctic Silver III onto the heatsink base. Rub well into the metal. Wipe off with a lint-free cloth. The surface should look a little stained with the Arctic Silver.

5. Apply the Arctic Silver III to the chipset.

Squirt a very small amount of Arctic Silver III onto the chipset. You don't need much at all, just a tiny amount (eg: 5mm length squirt). With a razor blade (or chopped up credit card) thinnly but evenly spread across the chipet, making sure you leave the corners clean for the glue. I can't emphasize enough, not to apply too much Arctic Silver III. If you apply too much, you risk leaking / squishing this conductive material onto other electronic components inside your pc case.

6. Attach heatsink.

Put a small blob of Superglue onto each corner of the chipset where there is no Arctic Silver III. I prefer the gel type of Superglue as it takes a little longer (10 seconds) to set. Without smearing the Arctic Silver III, gently press the heatsink directly down onto the chipset. No sideways movement! You only get one go at this, so make sure it is square and even. Press down gently for 10 seconds and you are done.