Applying Thermal Compounds/Grease

[dirtdiver]

Here's a fairly odd question in regards to application of thermal compound:

In my experience, less is more. Meaning--you do better when applying less thermal compound/grease than you do with more. Applying a small "grain of rice" sized amount on the CPU seems to yield better results than attempting to cover the whole CPU.

Has anyone tried using, say, a rubber glove and spread a very thin film on the entire CPU? I generally feel like the edges of the CPU would be rather neglected if only a small amount. I have always tried my best to use a "grain of rice" amount on the CPU and spread it around as evenly as possible to get the best contact.

What do you guys suggest for getting maximum CPU coverage?

 

[MagicPants]

There's a really good video on youtube called "How Thermal Compound Spreads":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyXLu1Ms-q4

After watching that I'd probably go with the cross method.

 

[dirtdiver]

Thank you, Magic.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

In the old days I used to use a razor blade to spread a very thin layer of thermal compound across the cpu. When I switched to a newer thermal compound I followed the manufacturer's directions and just applied a small amount in the center of the cpu. The results were outstanding. Which technique to use depends on the thermal compound and the manufacturer's recommendation.

 

[Shadow703793]

How to apply TIM depends on these things:

1. How flat the CPU/HSF is

2. If the cooler is DHT

For non-DHT and lapped HSFs I use my finger covered in cling wrap to smooth the TIM (~2 rice grains) over the CPU.

For DHT coolers: Some notes on applying thermal paste to the Xigmatek S1280(etc) and other DHT coolers

These above methods work well for AS5, ShinEtsu and IC Diamond.

 

[dirtdiver]

Ahh, these are all great--but shadow gave me exactly what I was looking for (running the Xigamtek HDT dark knight!) thank you guys so much.