8 Pack how do you apply thermal paste?

BigBANGtheory · 7 Sep 2013 at 08:07

I have seen many different methods:

1. Pea size blob
2. Line
3. X lines
4. 4 small dots

and then spreading the paste with
a. plastic spreader
b. fine brush
c. cotton bud
d. a finger protected by a plastic glove or bag
e. or just small movements with the cpu cooler prior to fixing

What method would you recommend for a modern thermal paste (not liquid metal products) on a modern CPU?

thanks in advance

Nickolp1974 · 7 Sep 2013 at 09:11

#1 for me, and let your cooler spread it when you torque it down.

Skynet5 · 7 Sep 2013 at 10:41

depends on the chip.

2011 defo an X for me.

those smaller ones (1155) I think a pea size should do it.

Be good to know what 8pack does...but he plays with ln2 so maybe not so mainstream and relevant!

coolsurfer · 24 Sep 2013 at 08:53

No one for me. Watch a vid on YouTube showing the after effects of all you listed methods and the single blob in the centre worked best and also happens to be easiest as a side perk.

wazza300 · 24 Sep 2013 at 08:55

use mx4 paste

I use my finger to spread it with,as thinly as I can get it

but pea sized blob will work just as well,i just like to be sure ive covered all of the cpu surface

8 Pack · 24 Sep 2013 at 15:46

Number one!!!

kaku · 26 Sep 2013 at 18:11

Do you use the same method for direct-touch heatpipe coolers?
I'm having a hard time getting a good mount because of the gaps between the heatpipes.

smilertoo · 26 Sep 2013 at 23:47

I've always worried that silver pastes would be too thick to spread properly from a pea.