What is the best method to spread thermal paste?

Somasundaram Sathiyathasan · Apr 2, 2015

People used to say the spreading method is best, but now people are suggesting the 'Pea' and 'X' method. Which is the most effective method, in terms of heat dissipation?

McHenryB · Apr 2, 2015

Follow the instructions for your particular CPU from Arctic Silver, whatever forum posters may say. They make the stuff so they should know.

http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm

Poprin · Apr 2, 2015

McHenryB :

100% this. Do you trust a random person on youtube or a company that has been making thermal paste for years? I always use this guide whether I am using Artic Silver or not. I've never had any problems.

Pinhedd · Apr 2, 2015

Somasundaram Sathiyathasan :

Don't use the spreading method for microprocessors that have an IHS. If you do, you risk trapping air bubbles in between the IHS and the heatsink. Note that some manufacturers recommend tinting the IHS and/or heatsink first; this is similar to spreading but is not the same as spreading.

The recommended method for most microprocessors is either a line along the length of the IHS or a blob in the middle.

Mobile microprocessors and GPUs (no IHS) = spread method

All others = line or dot

As long as the heat sink is secured firmly and sufficient thermal paste is applied the mounting force will do all of the work for you. Many people do not apply sufficient thermal paste.

Akarin · Apr 2, 2015

I use the dot method, simple like this, a dot in the middle of the processor. First of all I test the paste if it is a new brand/model, I put the dot, install the cooler, wait some time so the pressure can act, then I remove and I see if that was enough/too much paste, then I remove the paste, do the dot method again... profit! Too bad my noctua cooler is a bit annoying to install in my case... but that's what I can recommend.

The Original Ralph · Apr 2, 2015

what Akarin said times 2

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What is the best method to spread thermal paste?

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