What is the proper Thermal Paste Application for the 9900k?

[TigerClaw]

I will soon be putting this new system together. and there's a lot of debates on what method to use when applying Thermal Paste on the 9900k. I have the Thermal Grizzly Kryonnaut. and it comes with a spatula to spread the paste over the CPU. However the instructions have two options.

 

Option A: Apply with spatula

Use the included plastic spatula. Apply a 3 x 3 mm drop of thermal grease and spread it evenly.

Option B: Apply without spatula

Apply an approx. 3 x 3 mm drop of thermal grease or the grease in x-form on the CPU heatspreader.

 

Which of those two is best for the 9900k? The CPU Cooler I will be using is the Phanteks PH-TC14PE. This CPU cooler is similar to the Noctua NH-D15

[Mister Woof]

I thinkb as long as you don't have too little, and as long as you don't have so much that it's falling over the sides, you are probably fine

[TigerClaw]

11 minutes ago, Plutosaurus said:

I thinkb as long as you don't have too little, and as long as you don't have so much that it's falling over the sides, you are probably fine

I see. But which is the proper method to use? I read that the spreed method is better. Because it covers the entire CPU heatspreader.

[Mister Woof]

Just now, TigerClaw said:

I see. But which is the proper method to use? I read that the spreed method is better. Because it covers the entire CPU heatspreader.

If you use enough, clamping pressure will spread it out evenly anyway

 

I always used the pea drop method

[TigerClaw]

Just now, Plutosaurus said:

If you use enough, clamping pressure will spread it out evenly anyway

 

I always used the pea drop method

The pea method usually spreads it as a circle. and i know this heatsink at the bottom isn't round. But has a flat surface.

[TrigrH]

Kryonnaut is quite thick so i spread it over 80% of the die in square.

[TigerClaw]

Just now, TrigrH said:

Kryonnaut is quite thick so i spread it over 80% of the die in square.

I see. So where do i apply? At the center and spread it from there with the spatula? Or I do the X Method and spread it with the spatula as well?

[TrigrH]

1 minute ago, TigerClaw said:

I see. So where do i apply? At the center and spread it from there with the spatula? Or I do the X Method and spread it with the spatula as well?

If the motherboard is in the case, you could take the cpu out and try and try to apply it (I found it was hard to use the spatula when it was in the case), if you are spreading it doesn't matter how you apply it before spreading, centre is fine.

[TigerClaw]

1 minute ago, TrigrH said:

If the motherboard is in the case, you could take the cpu out and try and try to apply it (I found it was hard to use the spatula when it was in the case), if you are spreading it doesn't matter how you apply it before spreading, centre is fine.

Motherboard isn't in the case yet. So I would have to do it while its outside.

[Turtle Rig]

6 minutes ago, TigerClaw said:

Motherboard isn't in the case yet. So I would have to do it while its outside.

Like most of the peeps said.  Best mehod is a pea drop right in the middle, a fair amount.  Once you put on the HSF it will spread evenly.  This method counts for any CPU not just a 9900k and what not.

[nick name]

Pea drop describes the minimal amount to use.  More is fine.  More is encouraged.  Mounting a cooler will force out the excess when the appropriate pressure is used.  Too much thermal paste is messy, but not detrimental to temps.