Need Thermo Paste

[JustinGr]

I have 6 LED's (3W Phillips) that I plan on running at 1/2 power on a predrilled vendor (Rapid) supplied ribbed alum heat sink.

With fans on the top of the 1.5" wide, 12" long heat sink, do I need the thermal paste? I forgot to order it, and before I run around to all of the electronic supply places, I thought I'd check.

Thanks

Justin

 

[mcgyvr]

Thermal compound will help to create a lower thermal resistance from star PCB to the heatsink by filling in the microscopic gaps/valleys/ridges inherent in metal..
Its ALWAYS a good idea to use it..
Computer stores will have it too.. even Best Buy "should" have it in the computer geek section.
You don't need thermal adhesive unless thats the only thing holding the star PCB's to the heatsink.. If using screws w/nylon insulating washers then just regular thermal grease will work just fine.

 

[Duvallj]

+1 on the thermal compound. Doesn't have to be the best and even the cheap stuff is often fine.

radioshack often carries artic silver 5 and cremuiqe (sp?). Its in radioshack packaging.

Also if you never used it before, less is more. You don't need very much at all.