How much thermal compound?

wnb · 24 Nov 2010 at 20:00

How much should I be using? also what is the best way to apply it? I have read that some ppl use a rice method and some ppl talk about pea? Once applied I used a credit card to spread it evenly to the cooler then fixed it to the cpu. Do I need to do both the cpu and the cooler or should I do the cpu and not the cooler.

The reason why I am asking is that my temps are too high. I have used the same method as I have always used but have never bought an overclocked bundle before.

Thanks.

WingZero30 · 24 Nov 2010 at 20:05

What cpu and cooler do you have? In my experience applying thermal paste to both cpu and cooler results in too much of it as I did on my first go with my Q6600 and Thermalright IFX-14.

Btw I applied horizontal line method as recommended for a core 2 quad.

scubes · 24 Nov 2010 at 20:09

I thought the pea method was best maybe I'm wrong.

Basill · 24 Nov 2010 at 20:10

Small blob (half a pea size) in the middle of cpu for me, when removing the heatsink there is a almost perfect thin circle on both cpu and heatsink base with only the very corners clean.

cloud84 · 24 Nov 2010 at 20:11

ok my method is to put a tiny little drop on the heatsink and cpu. Then cover your finger with a plastic bag to prevent your skin from touching the paste. Use your finger to spread the tiny drops onto the surfaces of heatsink and cpu. You are not aiming for a coat of paste. you are are aiming at creating a film over the surfaces. This eliminates microscopic gaps in the surface of the metals. Basically you should produce a coating that just about blurs the letters on the cpu. then you will know you did it right.
Then you apply a drop of paste in the middle of the cpu. make it a generous size of rice. drop the heatsink carefully on top and try not to move it about too much while you fasten it to the socket.
enjoy.

wnb · 24 Nov 2010 at 20:12

WingZero30 said:
What cpu and cooler do you have? In my experience applying thermal paste to both cpu and cooler results in too much of it as I did on my first go with my Q6600 and Thermalright IFX-14.

Btw I applied horizontal line method as recommended for a core 2 quad.

I have I7 950 clocked at 4.20ghz with the pro lima megahalems rev.b on the asus sabertooth x58.

poobert · 24 Nov 2010 at 20:32

Quick question. If you have a heat sink that is a direct heatpipe touch thingy, what would be the best method. If you use a blob, won't the compound just gather in the space between the heat pipes?