TIM + Realtemp

[watercooled]

I'm going to order a new CPU cooler soon - probably a Thermalright Ultima 90i. I have MX-2 thermal paste but I'm a bit confused about how to apply it. Some people say draw a line down the IHS, others say spread it with a card. About how much should I be using and how should I apply it? Is Arcticlean OK to use to remove the compound left behind from the stock cooler? Also, does realtemp read E7200 temps correctly when first downloaded or do I need to change the settings?
Thanks

[Biscuit]

Everyone uses a different method. I spread with a card and it works fine so just use whatever works for you. You only really need a small dollop say 2.5mm cubed.

Not sure bout realtemp i use coretemp :/

[watercooled]

Thanks. About how thick should it be? Should it be slightly transparent/quite think. I'll probably use coretemp, too so I can see if there's any difference between readings - does that need to be calibrated before use?

[pepsi_max2k]

>> Should it be slightly transparent/quite think

as thin a layer as you can get, although the heatsink will spread it out anyway once attached, and depending on what you use they'll be a limit to how thin you can get it anyway (eg. arctic silver 5 is very thick and hard to spread). bear in mind it's only needed to fill microscopic gaps; preferably you'd have the cpu heat spreader surface have direct contact with the heatsink surface as much as possible.