Just got my Core 2 E6300

[rflynn74]

Do I put the thermal paste on the entire silver cover where the die is? Or do I take the cover off? I;m confused, this is the first time I've bought an Intel chip.

 

[broly8877]

You mean the heat spreader?

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

Half-way down the page.

Remove the old stuff, and add a little bit in the center. The HSF will spread it

 

[rflynn74]

There chip is a retail chip and wasn;t attached. I am apply new thermal paste right now and would like to know if I apply it to the metal cover? THat's all, not used to a big heat spreader this big.

 

[stevty2889]

Yes, put it on the metal cover, just a small amount about the size of a grain of rice, then place the heatsink down, and let it squish it out. This is assuming you aren't using the retail heatsink, that already has thermal paste on it, you don't want to use 2 coats..

 

[gobucks]

yes, you do want to put it directly onto the heat spreader. like stevty2889 said, a blob the size of a grain of rice should do it. I prefer to spread it evenly with a razorblade so that it covers the entire heat spreader, rather than having it spread out naturally.