Proper application of TIM? (3570K)

[mattius1989]

I have just installed my new 3570K today but I am getting around 30-40c at idle and around 52 at load. I think I may have applied the TIM incorrectly. What is the correct method for this CPU? I used a pea sized amount in the middle of the CPU.

 

[reflux]

I always just bang on a grain of rice size and strap the cooler on. No spreading. Is that 52c under load using Prime or IBT? Either way, tis nothing to be worried about.

 

[mmj_uk]

I've always been an advocate of spread method up until recently but having seen this Youtube video and thought about it logically a pea sized blob in the centre is best, the reason being you can get a lot of air pockets using spread method which will act as an insulator and that is the exact opposite of what you want from a TIM.

Try to put a big enough blob that it covers 90% of the heatspreader when compressed for best performance but as long as it covers most of the centre like a 1p coin it should be fine.

Having said all that the temps you are witnessing are probably just down to the nature of Ivy Bridge.

 

[jeff6475]

i use the blob and let the heatsink spread it

 

[One]

If it is true about the whole cpu not needing to be covered then the blob, or cross method seem to do the best job, I'd like someone with actual knowledge to tell me why only the center needs the gloop. Once you've applied TIM any area that doesn't have will not be touching the heatsink. Core temp might be low but just how hot is the edge? You'll never know.

 

[the1gooner]

Nothing wrong with those temps.

 

[mmj_uk]

I'd like someone with actual knowledge to tell me why only the center needs the gloop.

The core underneath the heatspreader is tiny about 1.5cm squared (it varies with chip) so most heat is in the middle.

Once you've applied TIM any area that doesn't have will not be touching the heatsink.

It will be touching there will just be minute gaps where TIM normally fills.

Like I said it's better to have as much surface area filled with TIM as possible but it's not totally necessary, just as long as the centre is filled with about the size of a 1p piece it should be fine.

 

[bru]

Different TIM's recommend different application methods, a good idea is to go see what it says on your TIM's manufactures website.

 

[s4mmy007]

One of the biggest problems for overheating or blue screens is either too much cooling paste or heatsinks / watercooling sinks screwed on to tightly,

or both!

 

[ScratchFive]

One of the biggest problems for overheating or blue screens is either too much cooling paste or heatsinks / watercooling sinks screwed on to tightly,

or both!

hmmm... I think your wrong.

Both those things a bad, but not for the reason you mentioned.

 

[RedTop89]

im upgrading at the end of the month to an ivy and would like to know whether i should just do it like in the video that is posted? and not worry about it not covering the edges of the CPU. I have some Arctic MX-4 is that any good? cheers.