Ok, which is the best way to apply thermal compound ona CPU?

[nib95]

Out of these three. The dot (half a BB/grain of rice size), the line (thin even line) or the spread (little dab, then use finger in a carrier bag/credit card to spread evenly and thinly over the entire CPU).

http://i214.photobucket.com/al...modkk/thermalpaste.jpg

For use with an i7 CPU. Using the CNPS9900 cooler/OCZ Freeze myself.

 

[RallyMaster]

I would take method B because it's a quad. For duals I use method A.

 

[Gillbot]

whatever method the manufacturer of the compound suggests.

 

[Billb2]

Well, do multiple mounts with each method and see what works best for you.

...then let us know which was best.

 

[dmens]

for method B don't get the line on the wrong axis.

pic: http://i709.photobucket.com/al...nell/1237496679586.jpg

draw a fat line with the paste down the middle of the long axis.

 

[nib95]

I did what OCZ recommended (a blob in the middle) and it dropped my temps substantially over the default Zalman stuff!

See thread here.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2287338&enterthread=y

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Best Thermal Paste Application Methods

 

[nib95]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Best Thermal Paste Application Methods

Broken link?

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Sorry about that, should be fixed now.

 

[nib95]

Originally posted by: Flipped Gazelle
Sorry about that, should be fixed now.

Thanks!

 

[Shagger]

When I apply my TIM I usually apply it directly to the CPU and spread it out with the baggie. I do it this way to ensure coverage. In all the examples they apply it to the HS not the CPU? Am I all bass-ackwards on this?

 

[imported_Redmist]

Originally posted by: Shagger
When I apply my TIM I usually apply it directly to the CPU and spread it out with the baggie. I do it this way to ensure coverage. In all the examples they apply it to the HS not the CPU? Am I all bass-ackwards on this?

yah same with me, I put it on the cpu then spread it around with a business card, flop the hsf on and be done with it.

 

[way2fast91]

Shag,

I have always applied it to the cpu as well. I guess most hsf manufacturers and even AMD applies TIM to the hsf, for whatever thats worth. I usually place a small dab in the middle of the cpu and drag the tip half way to each corner where I then place a micro dab. When i'm done it kinda makes an 'X'. After reading the article above from BR site, I am starting to think I should spread it out like you are.

Anyone got a Butta knife?

 

[Martimus]

Here is my guide that I wrote after some research: TIM Application Guide

The best way is to follow the instructions of the TIM manufacturer. I used Arctic Silver and Artic Cooling guidance to come up with my guide.

 

[nib95]

Originally posted by: Martimus
Here is my guide that I wrote after some research: TIM Application Guide

The best way is to follow the instructions of the TIM manufacturer. I used Arctic Silver and Artic Cooling guidance to come up with my guide.

The horizontal line application doesn't work too well with the OCZ Freeze stuff. It's far too thick, strong and gloopy to do the whole finger in cling film spread technique, and a little too cumbersome for the horizontal line technique (though you could probably get it fine with a bit of skill). In the end I did as OCZ suggested and put only a grain of rice/half a BB's size of paste in the centre of the CPU, and let the coolers pressure do the rest.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Since moving to Intel Dual Cores, I've been using the Artic Silver method, and it's worked extremely well for me...I apply a thin line down the middle, and let the HS do the work. Prior to this, I ran mostly AMD without IHS, in this case I used a small amount directly on the core, and an old credit card to spread it out nice and thin. When I go Quad, I'll continue to use the AS method. I must also note, I do not use AS5, but some Shin Etsu that I have plenty of.