Is it true too much paste is negative?

ProjectVRD · 29 Dec 2011 at 18:34

Some forums are saying to use a small amount of thermal paste on a processor but others are saying be liberal with it. Those saying use a small amount claim it minimises the distance between the processor and the heatsink which means quicker heat transfer, but those saying be liberal with it claim it draws more heat away from the processor.

Essentially it appears to be the same advice but in different wording for only two opposite methods.

So I hope you folks could clear this up for me, should I use a lot or little?

Jokester · 29 Dec 2011 at 18:36

Too much paste is worse yes. You want to use as little as possible.

andy_mk3 · 29 Dec 2011 at 18:38

Less is better. It is literally there to fill the very small gap between the two surfaces for the best heat transfer possible.

ProjectVRD · 29 Dec 2011 at 18:40

Right, thanks guys. Glad you could help.

setter · 29 Dec 2011 at 18:45

Small rice grain sized blob in the middle of the cpu. Then let the pressure of the heatsink spread it out.

kevbiss1 · 29 Dec 2011 at 22:52

the paste is used to fill the uneven surfaces of the cpu and heatsink,a small blob the size of a grain of rice in the middle of cpu is fine

Justintime · 30 Dec 2011 at 00:47

Too thick and it becomes an insulator rather than a conductor.

nsmalley · 30 Dec 2011 at 08:40

Doesnt it depend on the type of heats sink you're going to use? One with exposed heat pipes on the bottom needs more paste to fill in the gaps rather than one with a purely flat base. Something like, for the former use about twice as much as for the latter

arknor · 30 Dec 2011 at 08:57

nsmalley said:
Doesnt it depend on the type of heats sink you're going to use? One with exposed heat pipes on the bottom needs more paste to fill in the gaps rather than one with a purely flat base. Something like, for the former use about twice as much as for the latter

there shouldnt be any gaps on the bottom eitherway? ive never had a heatpipe heatsink not have a flat base and i havent exactly pushed the boat out , my current heatsink was only £27

its amazing how little paste you actually need it would frighten some people

Randomface74 · 30 Dec 2011 at 09:09

you only need a thin film

Skepticx · 30 Dec 2011 at 13:57

Too much is bad yes

Saundie · 30 Dec 2011 at 16:21

arknor said:
there shouldnt be any gaps on the bottom eitherway? ive never had a heatpipe heatsink not have a flat base and i havent exactly pushed the boat out , my current heatsink was only £27

its amazing how little paste you actually need it would frighten some people

The Akasa Venom Voodoo has gaps on the bottom where the heatpipes are set into the base of the cooler - presumably the intention is to have them in direct contact with the IHS, but it simply means that the TIM gets squeezed into the gaps. I had to reseat mine as I didn't use enough TIM the first time due to this strange design "feature" :|