I was cleaning out my heatsink, case and components and I cleaned off the old Thermal paste off my CPU and on the Heatsnik and now my Computer shuts off after 3 secs. when I turn it on. What could be the cause? I thought CPU's just needed a Heatsink and could run without Thermal paste cause all it does is cool the CPU. Any Idea? I'll buy Thermal paste if it's NEEDED TO RUN THE CPU!
I've tried different Powersupply and it's not the powersupply.
The Thermal paste that you scraped off is what transfers the heat to the heat sink you need to go to your local computer store and purchase you and new strip or tube of the paste and reapply that between your CPU and heat sink or your computer will continue to shut down as long as there is no thermal paste between them. Make sure both surfaces are totally clean before you reapply the new strip or paste. Artic Silver is one of the best you can order that or the strips from www.newegg.com Do not attempt to use your computer to you have dont this you could end up damaging your CPU.
I contacted my local computer store and the guy said they'll do free testing because I did turn my computer on more then once but I doubt my CPU is damaged. They'll also apply new Thermal Paste for me for around 10-$20.
Keep in mind that turning on the computer without a heatsink and fry your CPU in less than a minute.
I now am aware of that. I was shocked to know. I didn't know Thermal Paste was needed because I've ran a Computer before without Thermal Paste if I recall 3 years ago. The guy said I was lucky but my CPU is about dead anyhow so I'm going to buy a new one off Ebay or somewhere esle as it's now hard to find AMD Socket A CPU.