Applying thermal paste

[JHallas]

I just got my new components, a Tuniq Tower 120 cooler and a Q6600 processor, and I'm wondering how I should apply the AS5?

On their website, they say to add a small line of thermal compound, then just press it down with the heatsink.

Many other people, and older AS5 directions call for spreading the compound with a credit card or razor blade, on just the processor, or both...?

Who swears by what, and why? Any particular difference for Tuniq Tower or AS5?

Thanks!

 

[VinDSL]

Two thin lines on the CPU is the conventional logic... but I wouldn't swear by it!

 

[bradley]

The flatter the heatsink and cpu, the thinner the application of heatsink paste can be applied. This is where lapping enters the picture. And then, the thinner the paste between heatsink and cpu, the more heat can be transferred away from the cpu. You usually want the paste as thick as a thin piece of paper. And yeah, you can use a credit card to apply it.

 

[JHallas]

What are the benefits/downfalls of applying smoothly over entire surface vs. one line across center? I would have always applied over entire surface, but pdf from arctic silver says to just use a line?

 

[JEDIYoda]

Follow the manufacturers suggestions!!
They know best!!

 

[Deinonych]

I've always followed the manufacturer's directions when applying Arctic Silver. It's designed to spread out evenly when the processor heats up during use.

 

[JAG87]

small pea sized blob in the middle. spreads into a perfect circle with no air bubbles.

that is the best method. with a period at the end.

 

[eelw]

The line method works for dual cores - since both cores are positioned vertically. But with a quad, you need to cover a larger area.

But I prefer to have the HSF spread the thermal paste instead of using some flat object to spread it out.

 

[PCTC2]

the quad, i've heard two thin lines across the cores. i spread the AS5 and I need to reseat.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: PCTC2
the quad, i've heard two thin lines across the cores...

Thank you!!!

That's what I've heard too - but I still woudn't swear to it...

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Arctic tests their TIM assuming a thickness of 0.001"

I personally have never had problems with it as applied to my habit: a rice-grain's worth from the tube in the middle, and spreading it with an expired credit-card. [Make sure the credit-card is expired ]

With the size of the particles in the paste, and the pressure exerted by heatsink mounting mechanisms, you'd think you would get a layer that's close to 0.001" anyway.

 

[JHallas]

I applied one line across the middle like the directions on their site said, and I have 31c idle temperature with a Q6600 and a Tuniq Tower 120. Haven't tested load temps yet. Thanks for all the responses!

 

[Brakner]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drwH08jP0-k

 

[SniperDaws]

Originally posted by: JHallas
I applied one line across the middle like the directions on their site said, and I have 31c idle temperature with a Q6600 and a Tuniq Tower 120. Haven't tested load temps yet. Thanks for all the responses!

Thats the correct way mate, it shows you on Arctics website.

 

[SniperDaws]

Originally posted by: Brakner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drwH08jP0-k

Please DO NOT PUT sellotape on your cpu.

 

[Brakner]

Originally posted by: SniperDaws

Originally posted by: Brakner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drwH08jP0-k

Please DO NOT PUT sellotape on your cpu.

Why? It did not leave a film, if anything it removed all particles off of the CPU. My e6850 idles at 22c and loads at 41c according to TAT

 

[Ozoneman]

I would worry that some of the adhesive of the tape could be left behind. You don't want any foreign material in contact with the cpu.

 

[VinDSL]

Originally posted by: JHallas
I applied one line across the middle like the directions on their site said, and I have 31c idle temperature with a Q6600 and a Tuniq Tower 120. Haven't tested load temps yet. Thanks for all the responses!

Sounds like you Ace'd it! :thumbsup:

Good job!

 

[Bill Brasky]

I thought the one line or dot in the middle was recommenced to prevent any small air bubbles from getting trapped. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[VinDSL]

If you'll pardon the pun, you need to read between the lines on these instructions...

What would you do if you manufactured thermal grease and half the ppl have a third-grade reading level?