Spread or Squish?

[Dr. X]

I thought the recommended way to apply Generic Thermal Compound was by spreading a very thin layer over the core?

Though recently I've been seeing others saying that you're supposed to put a blob onto the centre of the core and it'll squish out when the heatsink is installed, any excess being squished off the core

Anyone?

/edit - vBB code = no superscript

[Ethos]

Nah, dont do it that way.... stick with the think even layer

[Big RICHARD]

Nah, dont do it that way.... stick with the think even layer

I 'think' in between thick and thin????

[Ethos]

Whoops, thin

[TiG]

I'd prefer to do it properly, i've always ensured i've had better case temperatures when i've taken time over it.

TiG

[BlackSheep]

I 'think' in between thick and thin????

yes but "n" is a long way from "c" for it to be a typo of "thick" unless dyslexia pld a part o'course (not that I'm suggesting Ethos is a sufferer)

[Steve]

If you just put a blob on it you risk area's of non-coverage or even air pockets.

Spread a thin layer.

[floppybootstomp]

Thin layer on CPU core.

Small blob on area of heatsink that will cover core.

Using small plastic bag, rub the small blob into heatsink core with your finger, using a circular motion.

Wipe h/s clean of excess compound, using lint free cloth (this fills in any crevices on the h/s)

Mount.

If not tight enough, btw, and it's clip mounting, re-tension clip using sturdy needle nose pliers (bend it a bit).

Well, that's how I do it anyway

[Nox]

i tend to use a credit card type object to spread the stuff as thinly as possible, then attach the heatsink.

from what used to be a great site until it sold out:

http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/How-T...Thermal-Paste/

Nox

[[GSV]Trig]

I use the bag n spread method

[BoB_DoG]

I use the card method a la Nox, but I reckon either way makes no difference as long as you got the crevices filled, and a nice thin even layer

[5cupa]

i tell u what rules for putting on thermal is surgeons rubber gloves. next time u are at the dentist or doctors ask for a few pairs. preferably not after he has used them to check your prostate

[Avalon]

Plastic bag method works well for me, I know AS has guidelines on doing it right but my method is slightly different.

Gently clean the contact area of the sink/block with metal finishing (uber fine rubberised grit) block (removes oxidisation layer that builds up over time when in contact with air) This can give a mirror like shine if done to excess or on something like copper.

Wipe down with a white spirit substitute and allow to dry (won't take long). *small* squirt of HTC of choice and using a plastic bag over your finger (I prefer Asda's but YMMV ) work this into the contact area, the objective is not to leave a noticable surface layer, it's worked into the tiny imperfections. I tend to leave this and then apply a thin layer (ie thicker a visable layer) using the same method to the core making sure it's not too thick as it will splurge out under compression conditions and on an AMD that can be bad thing!

Mount the sink and rock n roll. BTW a pack of a thousand latex gloves is only a few quid from your local hairdressing warehouse... Homebase charge the same for about 10.

*imagines hexus members all running out to local hairdressing warehouses*

[Lee H]

I use the credit card method - got 1 free in the coolermaster premium compound kit as well as a template thingy for different cpu's which is handy.

I have also used the plastic bag method and found freezer bags are quite good as they are see-through so you can see what you are doing

Lee

[Mr Meltdown]

I give it a good stiff poking with my finger.

Seriously though, it depends on the core me thinks.....but generally for P4 (etc) IHS then I smear it about with my finger to a thin layer. For smaller direct core contact CPUs then I tend to either do the same, or if it's not a vital CPU then just wack a blob on it and go for the "squish" method.

TBH farting about with blades and suchlike to get an even layer isn't going to offer any dividends unless the paste is quite stiff and liable to not squish under the heatsink pressue, So I tend to just use runny stuff myself as I've found AS1, AS2, AS3 to be just an expensive gimmick.

MM

[[GSV]Myocardial]

Instead of a plastic bag I use clingfilm seems to work better than a plastic bag

With very similar application method to Avalon