How to apply CPU thermal paste

[Spidey8085]

Hey hey,

So I've researched and found millions of ways people apply thermal paste to their CPU, and have decided to post what I feel is the best way.

-Firstly just clean of whatever thermal paste is on the chip, I normally just wipe it off with a tissue.
-Then apply a rice grain amount in the middle. More than this just gets wasted.
-Do NOT spread the paste around with anything -> I've read that this introduces air bubbles
-Put CPU heatsink back and let the pressure spread the paste for you

The actual processor doesn't make contact with the entire surface of the CPU lid, it actually touched like maybe 1/4 of the lid, hence applying a grain size amount directly in the middle.


This method has worked out best for me so far

 

[Ekstasis]

Agreed. Toothpaste also works btw

 

[zizo911]

IM 100% sure I read a similar thread just a few days ago....

 

[Spidey8085]

IM 100% sure I read a similar thread just a few days ago....

Lol, apologies if so, but with information easier to find, the more empowered people will become

 

[zizo911]

Lol, apologies if so, but with information easier to find, the more empowered people will become

No Problem, this thread is much simpler

 

[agentrfr]

Instead of a drop in the middle, I make an X shape. I read somewhere that that method is better.

 

[mr_norris]

All this time I've been spreading it :/ FML.

Has anyone noticed any significant difference when it comes to cooling capacity with the spread or drop methods?

 

[Spidey8085]

Instead of a drop in the middle, I make an X shape. I read somewhere that that method is better.

The X shape tends to use TOO MUCH paste, the excess leaks off the sides, be cautious of that

 

[Spidey8085]

All this time I've been spreading it :/ FML.

Has anyone noticed any significant difference when it comes to cooling capacity with the spread or drop methods?

To guys that overclock, every degree counts. Its also a bit hard to monitor with different weather conditions

http://images.bit-tech.net/content_...isemount-review/ek-delid-kit-15-1280x1024.jpg

This is a delidded 3570k, so you can see that just this little rectangle touches the CPU lid, so trying to get the paste to cover the ENTIRE LID is not really beneficial. the lid is just to maximise the surface area for better cooling, applying the right amount in the middle will spread paste all over the LID and ensure best cooling performance

Hope this clears up some stuff.

 

[Stevewarren]

Less is more in this case you don't want put to much on that could have the opposite affect lol.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Just applied some yesterday, I used the drop method.

Best way to check if you've done it right is to monitor the CPU temps, first check idle temps for a while then if you're in the green run a few stress tests to get the CPU working. Do a search online to see what are good temps for your CPU/GPU and go from there.

In my case I tested with a quad core Q9550 clocked at 3.2GHz, got idle temps of low 40s, under load peaked at just under 60. According to a few searches this is good.

 

[jackblue]

Thanks for sharing mate. Nice tips! This will help me know what to do and not to do when applying a thermal paste.