Thermal Paste

[youngsatchmo]

What is the "correct" way of applying thermal paste to the surface of the CPU?

I have seen the application of a skinny tube of the thermal compound and just seat the heat sink on top of it.

I have also seen people using a credit card to spread the thermal compound until it's just a thin film over the entire surface of the CPU.

What is the "right" way? Does it matter at all?

 

[Gillbot]

Contact the manufacturer of your specific brand for their recommendation. They have the most time testing it and the best tecnique.

 

[Martimus]

Guide for the proper application of thermal paste.

Application on HDT Coolers.

 

[TidusZ]

I read a really long guide that showed pictures of different methods and how they fared, basically the best way was to apply a small amount in the centre (pea sized) of the ihs, then install the heatsink firmly overtop. The credit card method is old school and is more or less not recommended anymore.

 

[youngsatchmo]

Very useful, and I like the "evidence-based" approach.

Thanks guys.

 

[MrX8503]

Originally posted by: TidusZ
I read a really long guide that showed pictures of different methods and how they fared, basically the best way was to apply a small amount in the centre (pea sized) of the ihs, then install the heatsink firmly overtop. The credit card method is old school and is more or less not recommended anymore.

That is definitely the best way. I still see people use the credit card method though.

There is an exception though. If you are applying paste to a laptop cpu where the core is exposed, it is recommended that you use the credit card method. Otherwise I would use the pea size then press down with heat sink method.

Another tip to get an even better contact that I've seen people do is apply a small amount to the heat sink base itself, then wipe it all off with a q-tip with no alcohol. This leaves a microscopic layer of paste on the heat sink.