Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > General Homebuilt > [Solved] What is best way to apply thermal paste ?

[Solved] What is best way to apply thermal paste ?

Forum Homebuilt Systems : General Homebuilt - [Solved] What is best way to apply thermal paste ?

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Best answer from geofelt.

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mwinaz3106   09-14-2009 at 10:21:09 PM

What is the best way to apply thermal compound (dot, spread, cross, lines)?? Does it matter that it's an i7 chip?

Looking at this video, (2:13) the cross method appears best...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyXLu1Ms-q4

What method do you guys swear by ??????

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Best answer from geofelt
It really does not make a significant difference. The key is to apply the proper amount of thermal interface material(tim). The job of the tim is to fill in the microscopic pits in the surfaces with a more heat conductive material than air. Not enough tim will not do the job, but the more common error is to apply too much which acts as an insulator.
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zipzoomflyhigh   09-14-2009 at 10:40:34 PM

I follow the directions on the package. They all are different.

Some are thin. Some are thick. Some want a small BB size. Some want a large pea size. Some require hours and hours of break in (AS5). Some dont require any break in (TX-2)


Message edited by zipzoomflyhigh on 09-14-2009 at 10:55:56 PM
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Bronze Home Brew badge tecmo34   09-15-2009 at 12:45:08 AM

Also, none of methods shown in the video are good for a heatsink like the Xigmetak Dark Knight S1283V with HDT (Heatpipe Direct Touch system). As zipzoomflyhigh said, read what is recommend by the directions in the package.


Message edited by tecmo34 on 09-15-2009 at 12:45:32 AM
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geofelt   09-15-2009 at 01:57:39 AM
Best answer

It really does not make a significant difference. The key is to apply the proper amount of thermal interface material(tim). The job of the tim is to fill in the microscopic pits in the surfaces with a more heat conductive material than air. Not enough tim will not do the job, but the more common error is to apply too much which acts as an insulator.

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