Applying thermal paste - the only correct way to do it (contains graphic content)

[Rouxenator]

If you're not applying thermal paste by simply putting a blob in the middle of the CPU - then you're doing it wrong.


Results in a lovely spread across the IHS.


Even with a crappy OEM cooler that does not torque down with screws.



So, if you are making a cross, or using a little spreader tool, or making more than one blob, or a big blob - you're doing it wrong. The above is the only correct way of applying thermal paste.

 

[Lupus]

Depends on the contact between the heatsink and the IHS, that cooler has terrible contact, other coolers would be across the whole IHS, so you'd need a bit more thermal paste spread. That reminds me I probably need to reapply it's been awhile.

 

[Rouxenator]

Depends on the contact between the heatsink and the IHS, that cooler has terrible contact, other coolers would be across the whole IHS, so you'd need a bit more thermal paste spread. That reminds me I probably need to reapply it's been awhile.

Gotta love those AMD ones where after a year it pulls the CPU straight out of the socket. I had that on socket 939, AM2, AM3, AM1, AM4....

 

[Lupus]

Gotta love those AMD ones where after a year it pulls the CPU straight out of the socket. I had that on socket A, 939, AM2, AM3, AM1, AM4....

Yup, gotta jigga jigga those

 

[UrBaN963]

Very silly thread, potentially harmful in fact. Very much depends on the CPU - size and shape specifically.

Why do you make kak threads like this that could lead to harm? This is valid for this old POS system you have here, that costs R27 to replace if it dies. Not valid for someone with a larger CPU where you need better coverage to the edges.

 

[Rouxenator]

Very silly thread, potentially harmful in fact. Very much depends on the CPU - size and shape specifically.

Why do you make kak threads like this that could lead to harm? This is valid for this old POS system you have here, that costs R27 to replace if it dies. Not valid for someone with a larger CPU where you need better coverage to the edges.

I do the same to all CPUs, regardless. Even my 5700G.

 

[UrBaN963]

I do the same to all CPUs, regardless. Even my 5700G.

Just because you're an idiot, doesn't make it good advice.

 

[LCBXX]

Very silly thread, potentially harmful in fact. Very much depends on the CPU - size and shape specifically.

Why do you make kak threads like this that could lead to harm? This is valid for this old POS system you have here, that costs R27 to replace if it dies. Not valid for someone with a larger CPU where you need better coverage to the edges.

Until I came upon this thread, I did not know anything about applying "thermal paste".

 

[Rouxenator]

Just because you're an idiot, doesn't make it good advice.

Nope - you're wrong. Why would you need it to go all the way to the edges and potentially go over the edge of the IHS?

Here is a delided 5700G - the actual core sits well clear from the edges of the IHS.

Let me guess, you are applying thermal paste incorrectly using that little spreader tool?

 

[UrBaN963]

Got some meetings now, will reply when I get a gap.

 

[Magnum]

I have come to the point where Kraken Elite 360 does not have the cooling potential to keep CPU under 90C at 20% workload.
Any ideas here since we are on the cooling subject?

 

[AstroTurf]

Too much thermal paste creates a thermal barrier.
That is way to thick.

The reason you want it spreading to the edge is so that maximum contact and be achieved which in turn results in maximum cooling.

Do you really want to transfer heat with convection when you could be using conduction instead?

 

[Rouxenator]

View attachment 1653795

Too much thermal paste creates a thermal barrier.
That is way to thick.

The reason you want it spreading to the edge is so that maximum contact and be achieved which in turn results in maximum cooling.

Do you really want to transfer heat with convection when you could be using conduction instead?

Nope - if it was too much it would have gone over the edges.

What if I tell you that I used the exact same method with that OEM cooler as I did just now with a ID3 cooler - and here is the difference :

 

[SHL]

 

[dualmeister]

For the AMD EPYC 7343 processor I went with the "X Pattern" as it is neck and neck.

 

[Rouxenator]

For the AMD EPYC 7343 processor I went with the "X Pattern" as it is neck and neck.

View attachment 1653809

Mmmm, yeah you may have a good point there - I think this is what @UrBaN963 was eluding too. Things could change slightly with non-square designs.... But I'll hedge my bets on blob again.

 

[supersunbird]

 

[Rouxenator]

OK, I am willing to reconsider for Threadripper.
We might need 4 blobs..... Or a cross....

Not saying I was wrong, but perhaps not as "optimal" in the case of this wide boi.

 

[dualmeister]

Otherwise the thermal pads on the HSF's do the job

 

[RedViking]

I don't use any thermal paste. Modern tech is designed with such precision that thermal paste is only for old systems.