Nubie to phase change - looking for pointers

[Expat GriZ]

Do I need to vasoline the cpu bottom or can I go w/o that for -40?

Two schools of thought here Steve.....yes & no. Depends on how long the unit will be on, amount of humidity where you live...do you plan on changing the mount or will it be fixed permanently? I get the impression you will get a good mount and leave it there permanently. First time I played with my SS & RE I did put dielectric grease in the socket....in fact, its still there to this day and really can't hurt. You don't need much, use a hair dryer, etc. to warm it up so it flows around the whole socket area....be careful because these new 1366 pins are SO delicate.

Each to their own and people are in two camps. Since I've turned more to the benching scene, I don't even use the conformal coating anymore, bought it...never used it. Just tape off the cpu area, eraser & armaflex, neoprene and you're good to go. Hope this helps.