• Need Help Applying Thermal Paste.
    7 replies, posted
I'm getting conflicting views on how to apply thermal paste. There are some places that say it is better to apply a thin consistent layer over the entire processor, while others say it is better to just place a dab in the center and let heat distribute it around. Which method is better?
I have always drawn a Box with an X in the center, them smeared it for a layer with my finger, But thats just me.
I use a half rice grain sized blob in the middle and spread it one way with an old plastic card (I used an old school canteen card) and then in the other direction until it is even. I prefer not to use my finger because it makes it uneven, makes a mess and mixes in conductive salts and oils from your finger.
It's better to just apply a thin layer over the top of the die, rather than to just put a blob in the center. I use a folded piece of paper to apply the paste, as it helps keep the layer smooth. The idea is to make sure any gaps between the CPU die and the heat sink are filled in so that heat is more efficiently transferred away from the CPU. You don't need very much paste for this.
Also it is more important that the middle is evenly coated, and more is NOT better, if anything, the less you use to cover the CPU, the better. If you use too much then it does the exact opposite and instead of transferring heat from the CPU to the cooler, heat transfers to the paste and stays there, overheating your CPU.
Thanks guys. I'm all set up and will be applying soon.
As long as there's a nice [b]THIN[/b] layer filling in the uneven surface between the heatsink and the CPUs IHS then optimal heat conduction can be assured. Just don't go applying a 1mm thick armour of paste, that's a sure fire way to get disgusting temps and a disgusting mess.
[QUOTE=Kondor;17623785]more is NOT better[/QUOTE] Exactly. It's a very common mistake to use a ton of thermal grease, but since you're only filling in tiny gaps between the CPU and heatsink, just a small amount is necessary.
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