Aftermarket cooler installation?? (total n00b, really DON'T want to screw this up!)

curios_observer · Oct 30, 2014

I'm a total n00b and have always used the stock cooler on everything, and this is my first time using an aftermarket HSF. The question i have is regarding the thermal paste that comes included with the new HSF: do i apply *all* the included thermal paste on top of the CPU? Or is it just a certain amount? Also, is this a "one time" thing or will i need to make subsequent thermal paste applications??

The included instruction manual is pretty vague so i thought i would ask since you guys more experienced. I'm scared of screwing this up so i have post-poned everything to tomorrow. Tomorrow i will be all alone once again and not have to deal with distractions, right now it is the afternoon and there are people in the house walking around/being in the way so i will be trying this again *first thing* in the morning after coffee.

My new case/housing is this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133260&cm_re=thermaltake_core_v1-_-11-133-260-_-Product

The aftermarket cooler i will be using:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106234&cm_re=THERMALTAKE_l31-_-35-106-234-_-Product

Here some pics of my work-area (kitchen table with fresh piece of cardboard), also you can see the HSF off to the side:

http://i.imgur.com/KqhMj6S.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lVrYlzq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/15ZkH2G.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/BJISMrh.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/03L73N1.jpg

Any words of advice or other tips for a first-timer at this are also appreciated.

EDIT: forgot to ask but what is the best/recommended way to "spread" the paste around?

Thanks in advance.

geofelt · Oct 30, 2014

NO!
Too much paste can act as an insulator.
The job of paste is to fill in microscopic pits in the mating surfaces and squeeze out any air.
It is hard to use too little.
There are various methods, but a small drop in the center will spread out under heat and pressure.

burdenbound · Oct 30, 2014

What you want to do is remove the old heat sink, you can help loosen the old thermal paste by running your system for a few minutes. Clean off the old paste using isopropyl alcohol and cotton balls, Q-tips, toilet paper. Apply new thermal paste to the center of the CPU, a little more than a grain of rice, less than a pea.

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Aftermarket cooler installation?? (total n00b, really DON'T want to screw this up!)

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