How to apply thermal paste?

[divardo]

I have just bought a E6850, K8V Deluxe and a Scythe Ninja and I just wondered when you apply the thermal paste. Do you apply it on the proccessor before you mount it to the motherboard or afterwards, or do you put it on the heatsink like the one which is supplied with the CPU. Also how much do people put on, and how do you spread it?

Thanks, David

 

[divardo]

Thanks for all this guys. I also bought some Arctic Silver 5 paste as I heard it was the dogs balls. Line down the middle here we come

 

[divardo]

I eventually did the single line with the Silver 5. I am currently getting isle temps of 18c with my scythe