What method do I use for thermal compound - I'm confused!

[mwinaz3106]

Tuniq TX-2 on an i7.

What is the best way to apply thermal compound (dot, spread, cross, lines)??

Looking at this video, (2:13) the cross method appears best...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyXLu1Ms-q4

What method do you guys swear by ??????

Tuniq's website shows two lines and spread with credit card. Since it's my first time, I'm planning on using two horizontal lines, (rice diameter). Will this be fine, and I need to just stop worrying? Thanks.....

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

I prefer either the cross method or the dot method.

 

[BushLin]

I've always used the "use slightly too much arctic silver, apply lots of pressure, remove, wipe off the excess" method. It's all about getting rid of air pockets rather than how you put on the compound.

 

[pm]

Our lab at Intel does applies thermal compound pretty much identical to the youtube video.... Not that this automatically makes it the best way to do it , but that is how we do it here.

 

[mwinaz3106]

pm ~ He showed several methods in the video. Do mean the cross method? Thank.

 

[pm]

Originally posted by: mwinaz3106
pm ~ He showed several methods in the video. Do mean the cross method? Thank.

Sorry, yeah, I meant the one at 2:13. I just skipped straight there. I didn't watch the whole thing.

The technicians spread in the shape of an X - they use less than shown in the video - and then use a plastic square (akin to a credit card) to swipe it one way and then the other and then stick it in the testers.

 

[Harvey]

Thermal compound is used to fill very small pits and gaps between the thermal surface of the CPU and the heatsink. It is not a perfect theremal conductor, but it is better than leaving any air gaps so you wany to use the thinnest possible coating.

I use a small dab of Arctic Silver 5 on the CPU and spread it with my index finger to cover the entire thermal surface. Windex will clean any excess on your hands or any computer parts. Then, mate the heatsink to it, and lock it down.

Hope that helps.