What is the proper way to apply thermal paste?

[Mooncalf]

Is there one right way to apply it?

Basically is it best to just apply it on the cpu core, the heatsink, or both?

Is it best to apply it with your finger or use a razor blade?

And how do you determine the best amount to use?

Thank you kindly for your time.

 

[dirkdaring]

I tried tha razor blade way, it worked 'ok'. But I found the best way is with the good ol' finger. Wrap some plastic wrap around your finger and paste it on very very thin. Works great.

Dirk

 

[darth maul]

I found that cutting up an old credit card worked best. And used one of the factory cut edges. Smallest of dabs of the paste on the CPU slug, and then the credit card to edge to move it and smooth it.

 

[ApacheXMD]

at a computer show a dude was installing hs/f's for his customers... so he squeezes a sh!tload of the whitestuff on the t-bird core, like the end of your pinky size..
then! if that wasn't bad enough... he slaps on the globalwin hs/f WITH the thermal pad still on it.
so you got two thermal interfaces and thermal grease WAY overflowing..
needless to say i didn't buy from him

-patchy

 

[DoOLiE11]

hahah now that is funny

 

[sauria]

Anyone tried applying the thick stuff this way like the grey goop from computernerd that cools as well as Arctic Silver?

 

[tigereye]

I tried the plastic wrap method with some thick chemtronics white paste. Worked great. You wouldn't think that it would, but the plastic really gives a smooth finish, and you have lots of control, without worrying about damaging the cpu like you would with a razor blade.