Applying thermal Paste to Haswell E.

[jamieboo]

Bit of a noob question, but thought I'd ask here to try and get the opinions of 8 Pack and other CPU savvy folk of this sub-forum.
I have an 5820K. What's the best way of applying the thermal paste considering this is a largish CPU?
The pea dot? The cross pattern?
And should I somehow try to avoid the little hole getting clogged?
I have a Noctua NH-D15S cooler and will be using the Noctua paste.

Opinions very welcome!

Thanks

 

[jamieboo]

Any more advice about that little hole?
And Kelt - your X recommendations span the forum! When you apply it how far do you extend the arms of the cross? Doesn't the X method make it more likely that that hole will get filled?