Follow which instructions - Arctic Silver 5 or Thermalright?

[Valour]

I have a question in regards to thermal grease application. I am using an Intel E6850 processor in conjunction with a Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme heatsink with Arctic Silver 5. The instructions for the Thermalright heatsink say to spread a thin layer of compound to the cpu and the heatsink. The Arctic Silver 5 instructions say just to put a vertical bead of compound down the center of the cpu only.

My question is which instructions should I follow? Of course either would work, but I want to make certain I am getting the most benefit from my application.

Thanks

 

[aheschel]

I just followed the AS instructions yesterday vs the thermalright instructions and lowered my temp scores by ~14C+. I might be that the water block I am using had problems setting on the CPU but using the AS instructions I saw a significant drop in temperatures. The older method always worked fine on Dual cores and below, though. Just my two cents.

 

[Engraver]

I always spread it out evenly myself. There is no guarantee when you place your heatsink that the "vertical bead" will spready evenly, so it is better to do it yourself.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

AS is a very thick compound. I'd use a clean plastic bag to apply a thin layer on both mating surfaces.

 

[AlucardX]

i just built an e6850 and ultra-120 a few days ago as well.

i tried spreading around some coolermaster paste i use (effectively AS5, very thick) and it was a nightmare. it was like trying to spread around melted rubber, it just kept sticking to the credit card.

i cleaned it all up and on 2nd attempt just followed AS5's directions, single line down the middle, set heatsink down and then spent about 30minutes wrestling the bracket plates and trying to get the thing screwed down onto the board with only 2 hands

i think it worked out fine, i haven't had time to stress test yet, but the last time i checked my cpu temp was lower than my case temp

 

[drakore]

is you aren't dead set on as5 take a look at arctic cooling mx-1... it's non conductive and performs better... also has less of a burn in period i believe..

if you want something a bit better shin etsu x23 7783d is the best for non conductive non fusing pastes.


as for the application even spread with a card or razor blade. for the mx-1 a blob in the center then twist the hs on the cpu

 

[Valour]

Thanks for all the information/suggestions... much appreciated.