Can someone tell me one more time.....How much thermal compound to put?

medic

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Put a small amount on and then use a single edge razor to smooth it to a VERY thin even film.
If it's a twist on type of H.S., use a little extra as the twisting will tend to wipe it off.
 

birddog

Golden Member
Apr 25, 2000
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put on a little of an amount as you can to cover the whole die. Keep it real thin.
 

JimMc

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
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As little as you can, yet cover the surface of the CPU. I apply it with a plastic toothpick or something similar (fingers are the best, get oil in the compound) then use a straight edge like a razor to skim the excess off. You don't scrape it clean otherwise there will be no compound left to conduct, you're just trying to fill in the small voids where the CPU surface otherwise would not contact the heat sink. I then place the heat sink over the CPU and give it a twist to ensure coverage in any gaps.

Ideally, when the heat sink is held on the CPU with moderate pressure (comparable to what the clips will do) you should be able to hold it up to a bright light and not see any light shining through the HS/CPU joint.
 

masterskartrg

Senior member
Jul 21, 2000
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damn really only that much i've been using alot i apllied some on the core and the heatsink.?? is it okay thou if its been running okay cause seriously i ran out of thermal grease(use alot on my geforce)should i think about reaplying it
 

dkozloski

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Unless the thermal compound you are using is old and hardened-up, the excess will be squeezed out by the pressure from the retaining mechanism. If you work as a tech for very long you will find many applications where the compound is slathered on such as power transistors in an audio-amp or a power supply. My slot A Tbird came from the factory with compound all over the place. In my estimation, people who are really meticulous about the amount of compound are stomping on piss-ants while elephants are running up and down the halls.