How to apply thermal paste?

dantonkin

dantonkin

dantonkin

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I was just wondering how best to apply thermal paste?

I've read various sources that you should apply it using a credit card type spatular and spread it over the cpu.

Should this be done using only a thin layer or thinkish layer?

Also seen a few sites saying that when applying the paste you should just sqeeze a rice size amount onto the middle of the cpu then put the HSF on top and twist?

Which would be the best way?
 
I spread out a small amount then place another drop in the centre before placing the HSF on. The problem with just spreading it out i find anway is that it can sometimes mean there are places where the HSF doesnt touch the thermal paste, therefor higher temps.
 
Blob in the middle (depending on cpu, about half a grain or a grain of rice worth), heatsink on, twist slightly to remove air bubbles/spread it out, done.

I don't think spreading it is a good idea at all, just introduces dust giving worse contact.
 
Cool, I've always just spread it using a piece of plastic.. I'll give it a go just using a blob of paste then applying the HSF.

Will dust actually affect performance of the HSF though?
 
  • Put CPU in socket.
  • Get a pair of latex or nitrile gloves on.
  • Drop of IPA or Acetone on a cotton bud and give the back of the chip a wipe to remove grease (from your fingers touching it). Do the same with the contact surface of your cooler. If you're stuck, you can use nail polish remover (just the basic/cheap kind).
  • Put a spot of TC on the back centre of the chip.
  • Use your finger to work it out to the edges of the chip in the same pattern as the spokes of a wheel. Spread it fairly thin. The gloves help to make it spread easier.
  • Apply a spot of grease at a time and add more as you're working your way round.
  • Fit the HSF and gently twist as you're seating it.

Been doing it this way for years. My current CPU runs at 43degC under load so I'm confident in my method. Other opinons may vary.
 
i think the least amount possible is best, so how you apply it would matter imo

i spread it over the cpu, as i say with the least amount poss
 
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