Best Thermal Paste Application Methods for HDT coolers

Hanuki · 29 Aug 2011 at 21:38

Do i smooth the heatsink surface?
Small Pea-Size dot as usual for the i5 processor or a vertical line?
Is there any different approach to the HDT coolers then your average square base coolers surfaces.
Only asking because i am interested in getting the A70 and someone raised this in the review.

"Make sure you prep it first and look up Best Thermal Paste Application Methods for HDT coolers."

pooley · 29 Aug 2011 at 22:02

I used this guide when installing my Xigmatek S1284 Achilles.

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.p...sk=view&id=170&Itemid=38&limit=1&limitstart=5

Helios1234 · 29 Aug 2011 at 22:49

I tend to place a very thin line along the base of the heat pipes, similar to the benchmarkreviews one.

AzZ · 30 Aug 2011 at 00:35

I've got an A70. Apply a thin line of paste in between each heat pipe about half the length of the base (so 3 lines). When you mount it it should spread nice and even. Don't worry if you have put on a bit much (but not loads) as it will just fill the small grooves between the heat pipes and base.

stulid · 30 Aug 2011 at 00:43

If the base looks like this,

Do a thin line done the center across the heat pipes.

If it is a solid base, completely flat, then a pea blob.

Donkeyfumbler · 30 Aug 2011 at 14:16

I think the blob method I used when I fitted my A50 cooler is one reason the temps are higher than they should be. At some point, when I can be bothered, I'm going to reapply it using the lines in between each heat pipe method.