How should silicone compound be applied?

[heliotrope]

I have a new Taisol CGK742092, which I am going to attach to an 800MHz Duron. With silicone thermal compound, how much should be applied to the heatsink? Should I try to make sure that the entire surface area of the CPU is covered, or just the center portion?

 

[arod324]

Just the center portion, the die. You want to apply a VERY thin layer on it, just enough to fill ensure good contact between the HS/F and the cpu die.

 

[heliotrope]

Okay, should I apply a thin layer of the silicone compound directly on the die or on the heatsink/fan, or does it not matter?

 

[joohang]

Does it matter if I applied a bit more than a "thin" layer?

 

[dirkdaring]

Make it as thin as you can, but enough to cover the area. Also don't apply it with your finger (so you wont get oils in the compound). Grab a plastic sandwich baggie or seran wrap and make it tight. Then spread it on very thin.

Dirk

 

[joohang]

If I think I put too much compound, shall I remove some?

 

[Supradude]

joohang, too much like a big glop, yes, maybe remove some... the added thickness of compound creates a larger area of resistance... the compound however good i.e. AS is no match for the physical sink or the chips heat dissiapation, so you want it as thin as possible,... it's job is basically to bridge the tiny crevices and surfaces imperfections on the core and HSF, nothing more...

 

[joohang]

Thanks for the tip.

I'll remove some compound and see if there are any temperature changes.