paste application help

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
D

drdenby

Honorable
Jan 21, 2014
175
0
10,690
I am trying to understand why too much paste applied is a bad thing.

Aside from the obviousness of it being wasteful why is it so bad if you have some "squeezeout"

As long as it is not electrically conductive, wont just the use of a couple of q-tips take care of it?

After all, if you get a uniform runout of all sides then you know that it has been completely and evenly spread out over the entire whatsitcalled (die?) right?
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
ThatVietGuy

ThatVietGuy

Titan
Nov 6, 2007
11,718
314
70,240
It's unnecessary to get spread over the entire surface because the most heat is in the center.

Also, too much paste will slow down the heat transfer because there will be more space/material for the heat to travel through which degrades the effectiveness of the paste. The paste is mainly there to remove air pockets in the base of the cooler and between the cooler and chip.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

drdenby

Honorable
Jan 21, 2014
175
0
10,690
Thanks for responding. It makes me wonder why so so so many videos many by "experts"show the use of a tool or something being used to spread the paste from corner to corner as one of the methods of application.

They did give the caveat that it should only be done that way by someone experienced so that no bubbles or tears or unevenness gets in.

But even that added warning gives the impression that that is the superior way as long as it is nice and even.

So why are there so many videos and instructions advocating the complete paste spread method?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
wrathofdragon

wrathofdragon

Distinguished
Nov 26, 2012
245
1
18,760
I dont know about others, but a BB sized dab in the middle, squashed by the heatsink is always the best way for me. No bubbles, no excess sqeezeout (ungainly, can attract dust, may cause heat issues eventually down the line if not taken care of properly, and may come loose and become lodged in the fans or other sensitive places).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

drdenby

Honorable
Jan 21, 2014
175
0
10,690
Ok, I have read that guide thoroughly.

If I have understood correctly, for my Intel processor, I should be ok with arctic silver cmq2

put in a toothpaste shape dollop "horizontally" across the middle "third" of the HOTSPOT

Does this sound right? Have I understood that guide/review?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Jason H.

Jason H.

Distinguished
Oct 20, 2013
1,765
113
20,540


too much paste can do the exact opposite of what the paste is for to begin with. To much could cause air bubble and cause heat problems, in this situation, less is better. But you want to make sure the paste is spread over all cores for best heat transfer. And besides, who wants a messy goopy heatsink lol.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Jason H.

Jason H.

Distinguished
Oct 20, 2013
1,765
113
20,540


No problem, I have learned so much from this site, definately use this site as a tool for future upgrades or questions, people here know what they are talking about! Hope all is well!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom