How to apply thermal compound

[sirstarvsalot]

I just got my new computer, and this is my first ever time building one, and I rather not mess it up. I have a p4c 3 ghz proc just for refrence. I got this thermal compound with it and the intructions are here As you will see in the insturctions it mentions nothing about applying it to the processor, but I assume that I defintly must. But I just want to double check with you all knowing comoputer gurus. Secondly I don't have a heatsink like they show in the instructions, mine just has a quater sized copper color circle on the bottom of it (its the one that comes with the new P4c procs). I assume that is where I apply the thermal compound to, am I correct?

 

[squidman]

Correct. Put a plastic bag on your hand. Make sure the surfaces are clean. On p4 it is not necessary to apply the paste onto cpu, for as you will be applying on the protective plate, not the cpu die itself. Just put nice amount on that copper circle, and start spreading the paste in circular motions. THe just put the sink on CPU.

 

[KuRnUp]

well, i assume that you have an p4 3Ghz with 800mhz fsb. nice choice, but DAMN expensive man, my entire computer conted that much. anyways, thats all my ranting. ok, so applying the heatsink. i hope that you made sure that the heatsink you bought is built for a processor quite that fast, and also that it is for the correct socket (the place you put the cpu chip). i would check out your link, but it didnt work too hot, so ill just assume that those are fine. so, its pretty simple, as you thought. take the tube, squirt a little bit on the top of the copper part of the chip, that is the cpu core. take something small that you can spread it around with, and spread it evenly until you have the whole core covered. DO NOT GO OFF THE CORE AREA or you will probably bridge some unwanted electrons. if you need more, add more, if you added too much, take some off. Also, beware that if it dosent seem to want to come out, it will most likely do it very fast, so be careful when squirting it out!

ok, thats just about it, just one more thing. If you are going to spend so much money on a tight chip like that, at least get a tight thermal paste (ya, different ones are better) if i were you, i would get the highly reccomended Arctic Silver 3.

good luck with your new rig man

(*edited for spelling error)

 

[sirstarvsalot]

Ok, I'm getting mixed messages here, apply it to the processor or not? Only apply it to the heatsink? On the Artic Silver application guide it sayts to put some on the processor. Also if I JUSt put it onto the heatsink, do I rub it off with a towel so it doesn't show anymore, because Ive seen that done to. Or would I just leave a think visable layer?

 

[sirstarvsalot]

Can someone please answer, I do I need to apply it to the cpu or not? I wanna try and get this thing set up.

 

[Viper96720]

Just put a very little amount on top of the cpu heatspreader in the middle. When you put the heatsink on it'll spread out. You want a very thin layer. Not a big gob of the stuff on there. That's how I've done it.

 

[sirstarvsalot]

ok thank you very much

 

[Actaeon]

Pictures + Detailed instructions