How to apply thermal paste?

BboyDfresh · Aug 23, 2014

So I just bought an aftermarket CPU cooler and it came with thermal paste. However, I'm not sure how to put it, as I have seen the dot method as well as the spread method. Not sure which one is better for CPU temps and over clocking. The manual says to use the dot, should I use this or the spead?

legend001523 · Aug 23, 2014

Any aftermarket cooler should have it pre applied already, but if you just put a thin strip of it in the middle of the cpu, it'll be fine

LukaBoki · Aug 23, 2014

Put a pea-sized drop in the middle if the CPU.
Spread it with a business/credit or any card.Make sure that the edge is clean.
Make sure you don't spread it all the way to the edges.
Apply the CPU cooler.
You're done.

modernwar99 · Aug 23, 2014

What CPU are you using?
Generally, you want to do an X pattern on AMD CPUs because the processing cores are in the corners on most AMD CPUs. On Intel, the CPU cores are down the middle of CPU in a line parallel to the CPU retention arm. Everyone has their own method (pea shape in the middle, spread with a credit card...) and it won't make a difference most of the time. Just don't put too much, because too much will actually make the cooling worse.

firo40 · Aug 23, 2014

Don't spread the thermal paste with a card it creates air pockets making the thermal compound less effective just apply a pea size amount and let it spread naturally. Take the crappy pre applied thermal compound off using a lint free cloth and rubbing alcohol

LukaBoki · Aug 23, 2014

modernwar99 :

X pattern is the worse.I used it first time I applied the thermal compound.
It spilled all over the sides and the socket.I had to take everything off,clean it and do it all over again.

modernwar99 · Aug 23, 2014

LukaBoki :

If you go all the way to the edge, it will. If you leave a cm gap, it will spread out to the corners without oozing out the edges.

BboyDfresh · Aug 23, 2014

I have an Intel 4670k and a Noctua NH-U12S cooler. Also, I only have 70% alcohol, would that be fine to use?

modernwar99 · Aug 23, 2014

BboyDfresh :

Yes, just make sure the CPU/cooler is dry before applying the paste, since the other 30% is most likely water.

GGustavson · Aug 25, 2014

LukaBoki :

this is the only right way to do it ..AND NEVER EVER USE Cleaning alcohol on/in you PC ..i read it so many times and it just so wrong..if u want that your stuff lives aslong as possible just dont..

cleaning alcohol u can use that on a 10 year old pc which found in a trash bin but not on new bought stuff..

Search

How to apply thermal paste?

BboyDfresh

Honorable

legend001523

Splendid

LukaBoki

Splendid

modernwar99

Reputable

firo40

Splendid

LukaBoki

Splendid

modernwar99

Reputable

BboyDfresh

Honorable

modernwar99

Reputable

GGustavson

Reputable

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page