How much thermal compound?

[imported_KuJaX]

hey everyone,

I generally stick with Retail processors and just use the stock fan with the thermal compound patch. However, I am building a Athlon 64 3700+ 939 processor with the thermalright xp-90 heatsink.

I was curious as to how much thermal compound I should use. The illustration that I have seen show someone applying it to the center of the processor to cover up the center part which is above the rest of the processor. However, this 3700+ is all level on the side the compound goes on. I just have a little bit on right now in a little square, but don't want to finalize everything up if it isnt enough. Any help? 🙂

 

[imported_Kensai]

1/2 BB in the center of the CPU, 1/2 BB at the center of the contact point of the HSF.

 

[imported_KuJaX]

Originally posted by: Kensai
1/2 BB in the center of the CPU, 1/2 BB at the center of the contact point of the HSF.

That is the way I understand it, just being overly cautious.

Basically, when the HSF and the processor come in contact, the thermal compound SHOULD NOT *squish* and cover the entire processor like not even to the serial numbers...... right?

 

[Bona Fide]

Originally posted by: KuJaX

Originally posted by: Kensai
1/2 BB in the center of the CPU, 1/2 BB at the center of the contact point of the HSF.

That is the way I understand it, just being overly cautious.

Basically, when the HSF and the processor come in contact, the thermal compound SHOULD NOT *squish* and cover the entire processor like not even to the serial numbers...... right?

It should cover the majority of it, but leave some direct contact space between the heatsink bottom and the CPU. And yes, squash the paste and rotate 5 degrees left and right to help settle it.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Generally, it's preferences. The CPU core isn't that big. Maybe half of the end of your pinky. Covering the full heat spreader, theoretically, promotes better heat transfer.

 

[imported_KuJaX]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Generally, it's preferences. The CPU core isn't that big. Maybe half of the end of your pinky. Covering the full heat spreader, theoretically, promotes better heat transfer.

sooo, I should put enough in a little square on both the processor and HSF so that when it SQUISHES down, it covers up the serial code and the majority of the processor?

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: KuJaX

Originally posted by: Kensai
Generally, it's preferences. The CPU core isn't that big. Maybe half of the end of your pinky. Covering the full heat spreader, theoretically, promotes better heat transfer.

sooo, I should put enough in a little square on both the processor and HSF so that when it SQUISHES down, it covers up the serial code and the majority of the processor?

:thumbsup:

 

[imported_KuJaX]

Thanks 🙂

Basically I put it down, moved it around just a tiny tiny tiny bit, pulled it up and it made a semi-large circle from the center of the processor, covering just a few of the bottom of the serial number.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Originally posted by: KuJaX
Thanks 🙂

Basically I put it down, moved it around just a tiny tiny tiny bit, pulled it up and it made a semi-large circle from the center of the processor, covering just a few of the bottom of the serial number.

Now. Since you pulled it off, remove the thermal paste and re-apply it.
Air bubbles = sh!t.

 

[imported_KuJaX]

Originally posted by: Kensai

Originally posted by: KuJaX
Thanks 🙂

Basically I put it down, moved it around just a tiny tiny tiny bit, pulled it up and it made a semi-large circle from the center of the processor, covering just a few of the bottom of the serial number.

Now. Since you pulled it off, remove the thermal paste and re-apply it.
Air bubbles = sh!t.

will do. should I use finger nail polish remover or just a nice paper cloth towel?

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Isopropyl alcohol works. I have the 99% stuff. Some people use vodka (what a waste), but the closer you get to pure alcohol, the faster it dries.

Alcohol + lint free cloth is the surefire way. This is recommended by DFI Street.

 

[BlingBlingArsch]

scientists at work 🙂