What is the best method to apply Thermal Paste

[Namioko]

Usually when I read around I notice that people use different methods.

Some just apply a dab dead smack in the middle while others spread it on the Cpu, some even apply it to the heatsink.

Some people spread it with their plastic/sandwich bag covered finger and some use a plastic card/credit cards and spread it as thinly and evenly as possible.

I usually try to spread it with my plastic covered finger as evenly as possible. It can be a messy task if not careful.

What method do you use to apply thermal grease/paste?

Are there any ways more effective than others?


Ps. what is the best thermal paste, I use Artic Silver. Do any have any advantages over others.

[glc]

The Arctic Silver website has detailed instructions for applying all their products on all types of CPU's. I'd have to write a book to cover all the possibilities.

[Force Flow]

Originally Posted by Namioko Usually when I read around I notice that people use different methods.

The type of thermal material it is changes the application procedure.

Originally Posted by Namioko Some people spread it with their plastic/sandwich bag covered finger

I've done that in the past with Ceramique. The idea was to fill in all the microscopic pits and grooves on the contact surface of the heatsink. It happens anyway when you latch the heatsink onto the CPU socket, so I stopped doing it a long while back. It never made a noticeable difference with the CPU's temperature.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Just follow the instructions on AS's website. I'd avoid getting any compound on my fingers as much as I could.

[Namioko]

Thanks guys........I did check the AS website and it is very helpful.

about getting it on your fingers, tell me about it, I got it on my fingers once and it was a task to get it off LOL.

[Nuclear Krusader]

I think I ate some with my cookies a couple of days ago (always munching at my bench, I am), hence my warning.

[quartet-man]

Originally Posted by Nuclear Krusader I think I ate some with my cookies a couple of days ago (always munching at my bench, I am), hence my warning.