Best way to use Artic Coolings MX-2 for a quad?

[AndyD2k]

Artic Silver shows that a line be should be used for their line of thermal compounds. Artic Cooling recommends a drop of compound in the middle and then let the heatsink spread it.

I would rather avoid having to reapply so hoping someone can help me choose between these two methods.

 

[manimal]

I did the small line across the cores and then used the HSF to spread it, for years I did the finger condom and spread it myself and always got great temps, to each his own I guess.....

 

[AndyD2k]

I did a combo of line and middle - figured if my temps suck, then I can always reapply. installing the top part of the ultima 90 is actually easier than I thought it would be so if I have to reapply then oh well Thanks!

 

[MadScientist]

Just put a dollup of MX-2 in the middle of the CPU's IHS and install your heatsink. AC MX-2 Installation Instructions I tried the line method and dollup method on my Q6600 and found no difference in temps.

 

[AndyD2k]

The problem is that their instructions are for old cpus. The quads from what understand need different application. Well, that is if I go by what Arctic Silver is saying. I'll see how my temps are when I finally finish my build within the next week

 

[error8]

I always use the spreading of the arctic silver paste with the finger dressed in a plastic bag. I also put just a very small amount on the heatsink too. Their guide didn't work for me because I was getting incredible high temperatures with my brisbane X2. So my advice is don't follow their guide, and just try to have a very, very thin layer of paste spread evenly on the hole surface of the HSF, and an even thinner layer on the heatsink itself. And also remember to clean both surfaces with isopropylic alcohol first.

 

[AndyD2k]

Originally posted by: error8
I always use the spreading of the arctic silver paste with the finger dressed in a plastic bag. I also put just a very small amount on the heatsink too. Their guide didn't work for me because I was getting incredible high temperatures with my brisbane X2. So my advice is don't follow their guide, and just try to have a very, very thin layer of paste spread evenly on the hole surface of the HSF, and an even thinner layer on the heatsink itself. And also remember to clean both surfaces with isopropylic alcohol first.

Yeah, I cleaned both using Arctic Clean that I still had around from my last build. I'll see what my results are after I finish the build. I'm expecting temps below 40C idle due time of the year etc. If I'm getting above that, then I'll probably have to do a better job of spreading the thermal compound

 

[AndyD2k]

Alright, I'm bumping this up in hopes that others get to chime in. I'm thinking that I might be better off spreading the mx-2 on the entire cpu