How to apply thermal paste?

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Treeroy

Treeroy

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Jan 11, 2012
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How exactly should I be applying the thermal paste when I install a CPU fan?

Basically, I'm not sure exactly how much paste to use (how thick should the layer be?) and what do you use to spread it? I imagine spreading it with your finger is not helpful XD

I understand that the paste shouldn't be spread over the sides - what's the best way to get it to cover the whole thing without spilling over?

I'm upgrading my PC and I want to do install the new parts properly.
 
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G
Depending on what you're buying, you may not need to worry about it. Most CPU coolers come with paste already applied.

If not, think small pea sized blob in the center of the chip. Do not spread it around. Attach the cooler and let it spread the paste.
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Depending on what you're buying, you may not need to worry about it. Most CPU coolers come with paste already applied.

If not, think small pea sized blob in the center of the chip. Do not spread it around. Attach the cooler and let it spread the paste.
 
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Treeroy

Treeroy

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Ah, very interesting, I didn't realise you don't have to spread it over the whole thing.

The cooler comes with a tube of thermal paste for the user to apply :)

So I just put a small blob in the middle and push the heatsink down. Thanks for the advice, this is much easier than I thought it'd be.
 
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house70

house70

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Apr 21, 2010
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The way I do it is apply a very small dab in the center and spread it thin using something like a credit card edge; the paste is supposed to fill in the minute irregularities between the CPU and the heatsink, not to act as a third layer between these two. Think filling a drywall hole with filler, you want the stuff only in that hole, with minimum spillage outside.
I know the pea blob is very popular, but I can not be sure the paste did not spill over (one of) the edge of the CPU, nor can I ensure the surface of the CPU is evenly covered. At least using my method I can still have most of the contact made directly between the CPU and the heatsink.
 
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