Applying Thermal Paste

dmx07 · 2 Feb 2009 at 10:37

Hi all,
I've read numerous threads about the best way to apply TIM but I just wanted to get ure opinions if u would be so kind!

I have always used a credit card and spread a very thin amount to cover the surface of the cpu but having read some threads today I'm beginning to wonder if this is the best option.

Looks like a lot of people use a thin line of paste instead.. My worry would be that it may not completely cover the surface but Artic Silver recommend this method..

What do u think?

PistolPete · 2 Feb 2009 at 10:41

I used to spread manually with a credit card, but on following the AS guide on their website and then later removing the sink I found that it has spread fine.

bobbydigital · 2 Feb 2009 at 10:43

I use a glossy buisness card to spread always finds it works best also means you can scrape off any excess to leave a thin as possible layer.

lankymorley · 2 Feb 2009 at 11:06

I'd agree there. Arctic recommend a method where you make a line of paste across the cores of the CPU, but I'd stick to spreading it thinly and evenly across the IHS.

dmx07 · 2 Feb 2009 at 11:09

yeah, that method seems to make sense to me!

kevmeister · 2 Feb 2009 at 11:14

i use a knife, it's like a scalpel with a flat chisel tip blade, it give me a really precise finish i find.

mithrandir · 2 Feb 2009 at 11:15

I've been reading it depends on what cooler you're using (e.g. flat base or heatpipe Direct Touch).

Anyhow, I've always placed a rice grain sized on the cpu and then put the cooler on top and twist it several times before securing.

simbady · 2 Feb 2009 at 11:28

Razor blades work well also sandwich bags.

Microwave · 2 Feb 2009 at 11:29

mithrandir said:
I've been reading it depends on what cooler you're using (e.g. flat base or heatpipe Direct Touch).

Anyhow, I've always placed a rice grain sized on the cpu and then put the cooler on top and twist it several times before securing.

You use rice instead of thermal paste? Nice!

dmx07 · 2 Feb 2009 at 12:09

Microwave said:
You use rice instead of thermal paste? Nice!

Basmati or pilau?

Microwave · 2 Feb 2009 at 12:15

dmx07 said:
Basmati or pilau?

We need to wait for his expert opinion but I've found that a bit of basmati + arctic silver works wonders for me!

ps3ud0 · 2 Feb 2009 at 13:03

What I do is this:

Tiny amount on a finger covered with clingfilm (say 1/3 rice) and apply to IHS and heatsink and rub it in...

Then apply remainder (2/3 rice) in a line to follow the cores on IHS and shove on the heatsink...

The first ensures theres a thin layer over the whole IHS and heatsink (probably superfluous but makes me happier) and might help with heat conduction (fill in the microscopic gaps) and the other is just what AS recommend (though I use OCZ freeze). I just dont think spreading the whole lot across the IHS helps since predominately the heat will come from directly above the cores...

ps3ud0 :cool:

PistolPete · 2 Feb 2009 at 13:07

I thought that with the older AS that they recommended a good rubbing on the heatsink anyway. I do this regardless.

sithlord · 2 Feb 2009 at 13:16

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=170&Itemid=1

jvowles · 2 Feb 2009 at 13:18

wft??? i seem to have joined the wrong forum