Ready to install but dont know how to apply thermal paste

[kilerz]

hi, i just bought my cpu and in the instructions it says that thermal paste should be used on the cpu, and that its pre-applied on the heatsink. so im just wondering ( i bought retail amd 640) does that mean that all i have to do is install it? or do i need to apply thermal paste to the cpu also?, i assumed it was pre applied when i bought it, being that its retail, but now im unsure and i dont want to overapply it if its already there.

 

[galta]

if your heatsink has pre-applied thermal paste, then DO NOT apply more on the CPU.

 

[kilerz]

ok, so for future reference if cpu or heat sink doesnt have thermal paste , that means i should just apply it on either or?

 

[beanoslim]

If you want to make a better job of the pre applied muck clean it all off and follow these instructions.
http://www.arcticsilver.com/methods.html

 

[Formata]

Arcticsilver guide above is really good. I found this one helpful too. Has some great close up photos:

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=170&Itemid=1&limit=1&limitstart=3

 

[kilerz]

Best answer selected by kilerz.