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Thread: Thermal paste

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    Question Thermal paste

    Just a quick question guys....
    This only came about recently after I repaired an Xbox 360 from RROD.
    When I put a system together I always put a "blob" of thermal paste on the cpu, but a few people I know have said that they spread it over before putting the heatsink down. Now I've always had decent results from the "blob" method, but others have been championing the "spread" method.
    Has anyone tried both, if so what method gave the better results?
    As I was always told you should put a "blob" on and let the heatsink spread it to avoid any air getting trapped.
    Any thoughts on either method guys?

    Cheers.
    Tom.

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    Re: Thermal paste

    I've always used the spread thin method and it has never let me down. I tried the blob method once on my old Pentium D 805, and it didn't go so well. The temp shot up to over 80c! Don't really want to try it again after that.

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    Re: Thermal paste

    One way of spreading is to use this stuff - it has a brush! OK for most CPUs if not extreme.

    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=388704

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    Re: Thermal paste

    Quote Originally Posted by Ikthezeus View Post
    Just a quick question guys....
    This only came about recently after I repaired an Xbox 360 from RROD.
    When I put a system together I always put a "blob" of thermal paste on the cpu, but a few people I know have said that they spread it over before putting the heatsink down. Now I've always had decent results from the "blob" method, but others have been championing the "spread" method.
    Has anyone tried both, if so what method gave the better results?
    As I was always told you should put a "blob" on and let the heatsink spread it to avoid any air getting trapped.
    Any thoughts on either method guys?

    Cheers.
    Tom.

    A blob will always spread out when the heatsink goes down, and many use it.

    I've always gone for the spread method as i can be sure that there is a good amount all over the component. Partly as i'm a pesemist though and i want to be sure.
    Either way, when doneproperly it shoudn't matter.

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    Re: Thermal paste

    Blob works for me.
    (\__/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

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    Re: Thermal paste

    Quote Originally Posted by Andy3536 View Post
    A blob will always spread out when the heatsink goes down, and many use it.
    The problem with the blob method happens when the bases are not flat, either concave on convex. It can leave places where it doesn't reach..

    I use the spread type personally
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    Re: Thermal paste

    If you check out Arctic Silvers installation instructions, for Intel they recommend the line method, vertical line for dualcores and horizontal line for quads (current Intel quads have two dies side by side, hence horizontal line)
    Spreading wouldn't yield any better results solely due to the actual CPU core being central on the heatspreader.

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    Re: Thermal paste

    Quote Originally Posted by LuckyNV View Post
    If you check out Arctic Silvers installation instructions, for Intel they recommend the line method, vertical line for dualcores and horizontal line for quads (current Intel quads have two dies side by side, hence horizontal line)
    Spreading wouldn't yield any better results solely due to the actual CPU core being central on the heatspreader.
    Well I looked at the Arctic silver blurb and it seems to me illogical as the heat would spread over the metal of the cpu by conduction and the cooler needs max contact all over to take the heat away.
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    Re: Thermal paste

    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
    The problem with the blob method happens when the bases are not flat, either concave on convex. It can leave places where it doesn't reach..

    I use the spread type personally
    ++

    The 'blob' method also can also cause trapped air, from bubbles to entire pockets.
    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
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    Re: Thermal paste

    i have always spread but i have noticed the line method b4 never tried it though lol

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    Re: Thermal paste

    I just used the 'line' method on a 6550 the other day and a Noctua NH-U12F and my temps are roughly 10c above room at 100% load. Works fine for me, although I did use to use the spread method back in the day!
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    Re: Thermal paste

    Quote Originally Posted by Giraffe View Post
    One way of spreading is to use this stuff - it has a brush! OK for most CPUs if not extreme.

    http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=388704

    Peter.
    Yep, that stuff is the best, and easy to apply. I once tried to spread the AS5 and uhm yea no go on that, you end up wasting half the tube of AS5 trying to spread it, I wouldn't even recommend trying to spread the AS5 its so thick it just creates air pockets which is not good for thermal conductivity.

    I think the ability to apply a thin even coat across the entire surface yields better results.

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    Re: Thermal paste

    I have a small plastic stick for spreading AS5.
    Quote Originally Posted by Agent View Post
    ...every time Creative bring out a new card range their advertising makes it sound like they have discovered a way to insert a thousand Chuck Norris super dwarfs in your ears...

  14. #14
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    Re: Thermal paste

    Grain of rice sized blob for me.

    Unless you need the grease to actively bridge large gaps, but your cooling's going to be poor in that case anyway.

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    Re: Thermal paste

    Quote Originally Posted by aidanjt View Post
    I have a small plastic stick for spreading AS5.
    I've always used my finger.....and why we are on the subject of AS, why not use methylated spirits for removing AS, you can drink and work at the same time.
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    Re: Thermal paste

    Either way is fine as long as it is done right ...sort of like painting a wall

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