Cleaning Thermal Paste

[deviation]

Agreeed. I did the manual spreading method too when I installed my 9700X 2 months ago, but I used one of those thermal paste spatulas by Thermal Grizzly, as I already had an unused one from years ago. Doesn't really make much difference compared to a credit card though!

The pea method doesn't really work all the time, but for me it was actually too little paste that caused an issue with the pea method a few years ago. Although the CPU cooler was supposed to "spread" the paste when it's placed, that pea of paste wasn't spread everywhere. There were a few missing spots that didn't have paste, which resulted in the CPU temps being higher than normal.

At least with manually spreading, you'll know the fact that the entire CPU will be evenly covered with a layer of paste, and not so much that it ends up going into the socket (RIP).

Glad it worked for you though @Nate75

Those spatulas are stupid IMHO, it makes the spread different heights/inconsistent. Whereas a credit card can easily match the width/length of the IHS.

Yeah, I've taken a HS off before and found a pea either didn't meet the corners, or was just a mess going over the edges of the IHS.

Yep, spreading it with a credit card smooth first, ensures that it's perfect before even mating to the HS.

 

[mattyfez]

I usually use blob method but when spreading I stretch /wrap a bit of clingfilm over the end of my finger and spread that way as you get more feedback

 

[Jacky60]

I've used meths before with no issue.
Like white spirit though (I think) it can leave a very light greasy residue so it's technically not good practice.

Do you have a first aid kit? Some surgical spirit or alcohol wipes would be better.

Or if you dabble in car mechanics, carburetor or brake disk cleaner would work.

Or just give it a good wipe with regular old kitchen towel..

Technically a wipe with kitchen towel isn't good practice as micro fibres of paper/cellulose and associated micro plastics could be deposited at the interface leading to a catastrophic temperature increase of 3-5C. Even if the paper towel only leaves 30% of the expected paper/plastic (and insulator!) microfibres and temps are only raised by 3C I'd still be very worried.

 

[mattyfez]

Technically a wipe with kitchen towel isn't good practice as micro fibres of paper/cellulose and associated micro plastics could be deposited at the interface leading to a catastrophic temperature increase of 3-5C. Even if the paper towel only leaves 30% of the expected paper/plastic (and insulator!) microfibres and temps are only raised by 3C I'd still be very worried.

Sure... I don't disagree with you for doing things properly, I'm just saying it doesn't really matter to me in my experience and usage cases.

I don't wear an anti static wrist band either.

I live dangerously, baby!

 

[mattyfez]

For example my 5700x3d...

Ambient room temp currently 23.9c
'Idle' with a browser open and playing internet radio, vs a full run of cinebench.

I can't even get it to hit 70c... lol!