I spent about a week testing various methods with my i5-2500k and came to some conclusions, a lot of the info out there seems questionable.
Pea size blob - way too much paste, higher than normal temps.
Vertical line method - same as above
Spreading the paste - creates bubbles and an uneven surface, bad temps
X pattern - too much paste again, bad temps.
The only method I found useful was applying a small BB sized blob in the center of the processor OR heatsink. Blob can be a tiny bit larger than a BB for stuff like direct heat pipe coolers.
On direct heat pipe coolers make sure you fill in the crevices first and scrape off all of the excess paste, so the surface is clean but the crevices are filled. Then use the BB method above.
This has by far given me the best temps at idle and under load. They have been improving over the past few days too, by another 2-3 degrees.
Pea size blob - way too much paste, higher than normal temps.
Vertical line method - same as above
Spreading the paste - creates bubbles and an uneven surface, bad temps
X pattern - too much paste again, bad temps.
The only method I found useful was applying a small BB sized blob in the center of the processor OR heatsink. Blob can be a tiny bit larger than a BB for stuff like direct heat pipe coolers.
On direct heat pipe coolers make sure you fill in the crevices first and scrape off all of the excess paste, so the surface is clean but the crevices are filled. Then use the BB method above.
This has by far given me the best temps at idle and under load. They have been improving over the past few days too, by another 2-3 degrees.