Is it me or is AS5 really hard to apply?

[The Sauce]

I just reseated my CPU with AS5 and had a really hard time spreading it on. It seemed to be too thick and I could not get a thin layer and even CPU coverage for the life of me. Anyone else notice this problem or did I get a bad batch?

 

[Jeff7]

I don't use AS5, but I have used ASI, II, III, and Alumina. My application method is to use a bit of it, about the size and shape of a small grain of rice, in the middle of the CPU core (provided it's rectangular, not square). The heatsink pressure then squeezes the stuff out to where it's needed. Thus far, it seems to work fine for me.

 

[MichaelD]

Funny, I used AS5 for the first time about two weeks ago and said the same thing: "This stuff is like tar!"

Yes, it's hard as heck to spread. I just use a thick-ish piece of plastic, like a credit card and do the best I can to get as even coverage as possible. When you squish the HS down on there, it'll do the rest. Just make sure the layer of AS isn't too thick, as you don't want that stuff all over the CPU, just on the slug.

 

[Zepper]

If you've had your AS3/5 for a while (or it was setting on your dealer's shelf some time before you bought it) it can settle out. You may have to pull the syringe plunger gently all the way out and stir the stuff up with a toothpick or some such.
.bh.

 

[Special1Sauce]

I just put some on the core but never on the whole processor itself.