Thermal paste

[Ikthezeus]

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.

[Choo Choo]

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.

[Giraffe]

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.

[Andy3536]

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.

[peterb]

Blob works for me.

[Agent]

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

[LuckyNV]

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.

[excalibur2]

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.

[aidanjt]

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.

[s3ds]

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

[funke_munke]

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!

[WannaPiEcE]

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.

[aidanjt]

I have a small plastic stick for spreading AS5.

[kalniel]

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.

[excalibur2]

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.

[usxhe190]

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