• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

How do you all usually APPLY your thermal paste?

X

Xpred

Senior member
I know there's many way to do it, but I find some ways easier and better than others. I know of several ways including putting a tiny dab of paste on top of the CPU, then spreading it evenly or just putting a dab, and allowing the HS to spread it as you push it down.. Well, here's how I do it: first, clean the stock paste on the HSF with something like ArcticClean, then I put a very small dab on the bottom of the heatsink, smear it just a tiny bit. Then I put a tiny dab ontop of the CPU, and put the HSF onto the cpu. I like to smear a little on the bottom of the heatsink, but not on the CPU because I want the HS to smooth it out as it sits ontop of the processor. Anyways...I just had some few questions for y'all..

1. Does the thermal paste need to cover 100% every perfect square inch ontop of the CPU? Or only the middle section? Because I never smear mine on the CPU to cover it. I assume (from the ArcticSilver instruction site) that only a certain portion of the middle of the CPU generates the heat...

2. How do you guys usually apply YOUR thermal paste? List the steps. =D
 
I clean both, whether used or new, w/ 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and a q-tip. I put a dab of AS5 the size of a dried piece of rice on the heatspreader. I cover the entire heatspreader with a cut piece of an old library card (laminated.. that I cut into 1/4's...easily manipulated like a little knife). Takes a while as AS5 does not like to be spread. I then put the same size dab of AS5 on the HS base, and rub it in with a lint free cloth. Like waxing a car. Then I rub it off with the other side of the cloth. I've done it both ways (as AS describes on AMD w/ heatspreaders to put a dab and let the HS pressure spread it out) and never noticed any differences in temps what-so-ever.
 
I have found that following Artic Silvers instructions are usually a good bet.

They have different instructions for large and small core processors...Very useful with pictures of the different applications.

Can be found right HERE

The instrucitons for Artic Silver 5 have links for large and small cores.

Artic Silver 5 instructions.

 
i used mineral spirits to clean both surfaces, because i couldnt find a high enough concentration of alcohol. then, i followed the directions on arctic silver.
 
Just regular ole iso alcohol will work...Most drug stores sell 91%.

Works for me anyway...I bought a bottle from Fry's that was like 10 bucks for electronic applications...Lived without it before...So I just stick with the cheapy stuff from the drug store.
 
I do what Dan does with the library card, except use a credit card inside. Only use qtips to make it perfect when I'm done with the credit card.
 
I really dont understand the qtip thing...Are you using a qtip to spread the AS 5 ???

I so I highly recommend that you change your application techniqe...The cotton fibers from the qtip will stick to the AS 5 and give you less than optimum results.
 
Originally posted by: charlietee
I really dont understand the qtip thing...Are you using a qtip to spread the AS 5 ???

I so I highly recommend that you change your application techniqe...The cotton fibers from the qtip will stick to the AS 5 and give you less than optimum results.
Click to expand...

:laugh: Use the q-tip to clean it with>alcohol. Plastic card to spread it with.
 
I'm lazy. I do this:

1) squirt some artic silver 5 on the cpu top trying to spread it out a bit
2) set down the heatsink and smosh it side to side a little bit
3) clip down the heatsink

I don't really overclock 🙂. Althought maybe I'll have to reconsider my ways after seeing what the Celeron D 340 can do overclocked. It's like we're back in the Celeron 566 Mhz -> 850 Mhz days! I brought the CPU *only* for cheap SSE3 support but later read about the overclocking possibilities that suit my preference for staying within the normal FSB/memory speed ranges (so basically, it's just bumping the Celeron FSB up to Pentium specs just like the Celeron 566 (66 Mhz FSB -> 100 Mhz FSB)).

And just to keep the AMD folks happy, my main desktop is an AMD 64 3200+ 🙂.
 
Originally posted by: JBDan
Originally posted by: charlietee
I really dont understand the qtip thing...Are you using a qtip to spread the AS 5 ???

I so I highly recommend that you change your application techniqe...The cotton fibers from the qtip will stick to the AS 5 and give you less than optimum results.
Click to expand...

:laugh: Use the q-tip to clean it with>alcohol. Plastic card to spread it with.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I do
 
Pour myself a cold brewski:beer:...then....
1) squirt some artic silver 5 on the cpu top trying to spread it out a bit
Pour myself another brewski:beer:......then...
2) set down the heatsink and smosh it side to side a little bit
Then Pour myslf another cold brewski or 2.... :beer::beer:
maybe even sleep a little after the brewski`s....:beer:
Then wake up sober and ......
3) clip down the heatsink
 
Originally posted by: JEDIYoda
Pour myself a cold brewski:beer:...then....
1) squirt some artic silver 5 on the cpu top trying to spread it out a bit
Pour myself another brewski:beer:......then...
2) set down the heatsink and smosh it side to side a little bit
Then Pour myslf another cold brewski or 2.... :beer::beer:
maybe even sleep a little after the brewski`s....:beer:
Then wake up sober and ......
3) clip down the heatsink
Click to expand...

lol you truly are a character (and maybe an alcoholic lol) :beer:
 
I actually just did this today, so I might as well post about it!

Step 1 - Paper Towel, soaked in a generous amount of 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to clean off the remnants of the thermal paste on the HS and CPU
Step 2 - Let dry!
Step 3 - Put a dab of AS5 on the middle of the CPU, spread it thin with a razor.
Step 4 - Put a dab of AS5 on the part of the HS where the CPU makes contact, rub it in vigorously with a paper towel.
Step 5 - Install and enjoy my newer, cooler computer!

A properly done HS install like what I did really does help. So does using AS5 over the "white stuff," my temps dropped dramatically when I did things the way they should have been done. My PC (Athlon XP-M) was overheating at 2.2ghz, now it's ice cold at 2.43.

For an Athlon XP, you want to only cover the core with a thin layer of paste. You'll want to do this spreading yourself. My understanding is that for CPU's with heatspreaders, just applying the AS5 and letting the HS do the rest works well.
 
Originally posted by: NinjaTechie
I actually just did this today, so I might as well post about it!

Step 1 - Paper Towel, soaked in a generous amount of 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to clean off the remnants of the thermal paste on the HS and CPU
Step 2 - Let dry!
Step 3 - Put a dab of AS5 on the middle of the CPU, spread it thin with a razor.
Step 4 - Put a dab of AS5 on the part of the HS where the CPU makes contact, rub it in vigorously with a paper towel.
Step 5 - Install and enjoy my newer, cooler computer!

A properly done HS install like what I did really does help. So does using AS5 over the "white stuff," my temps dropped dramatically when I did things the way they should have been done. My PC (Athlon XP-M) was overheating at 2.2ghz, now it's ice cold at 3.43.

For an Athlon XP, you want to only cover the core with a thin layer of paste. You'll want to do this spreading yourself. My understanding is that for CPU's with heatspreaders, just applying the AS5 and letting the HS do the rest works well.
Click to expand...

Actually YES your temps would possibly drop dramatically if you had on a previous occasion did a bad install of your heatsink!!!

But--- AS5 was not the cause of your temps dropping dramatically.....
Even though it is one hell of a thermal paste!!

I would attribute your dramaticc drop to your attention to details!!!

Good Luck!!

 
I never spread it across the Heatspreader anymore..

Small droplet in the center, pop that HSF on there to see how it spreads and I'm good to go.

 
Since I'm cheap and lazy I use the 1$ tubes of generic grease. I just put a but on my finger, smear it about the hsf and cpu a little, wipe off excess and I'm done. I tried AS5 but it didn't drop temps (did it the way they tell you to), hell even lapping is worthless. Course, if I could find a way and place that would od it I'd have the hsf and cpu lapped for 0 or 1 surface finish, wring those buggers together and have no need for grease!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top