How do I apply heat transfer compound?

[Steve23094]

I have a new mobo and cpu on the way, and so went out the other day to buy some heat transfer compound (aka thermal grease).

Question is though, when I apply it, do I just put it on the die of a Socket A processor, or over the whole ceramic? (Are they still made out of ceramic? I dunno, but you know what I mean).

I have seen pictures on various web sites that do one _or_ the other.

So which is right?

FYI I will be using a FOP68 and Duron 800.

 

[hammong]

Thermal grease just on the die. The ceramic portion of the CPU doesn't make contact with the heatsink.

Be advised that TOO MUCH grease is almost as bad as no grease at all. Apply only enough to leave a tissue-paper thin layer between the CPU die and the heatsink itself.

Greg