Does anyone apply thermal paste like that?

[ArtyIF]

Hello,

I am planning to replace my computer's thermal paste since I noticed that during building the CPU actually throttles instead of boosting (3.1 GHz instead of 3.5 GHz base). I decided to check the maintenance guide on my PC (Lenovo H5-55 whatever-model-it-is), and noticed this weird illustration. It suggests putting five drops of thermal grease on top of the processor.

I have NEVER seen anyone apply thermal paste like that. So I'm asking - did anyone ever do that? How does it compare to the typical methods like the pea or X-shape?

P.S. sorry dark theme users

P.P.S. here's the link https://download.lenovo.com/consumer/desktop_pub/lenovo_h50_hmm_20140929.pdf, it's on page 41 and 42

Edited April 3, 2021 by ArtyIF
added link just in case

[Skiiwee29]

Doubtful as its not a common method. Most use do a pea sized dot in the center. I personally use the X method on CPUs to make sure I get edge to edge coverage. Not really worried about spill over since its non conductive. 

[whispous]

 

 

Wouldn't you know it, a video covering a few methods!

 

 

 

Back in my early days I would apply it as a single blob, then spread it out with a credit-card like piece of material.

Eventually, I just put the single blob on and let the heatsink spread it out. Never have had a problem with mine or the ones I sent out.

 

I do wonder though, now with the rise (ryze, l. o. l.) of greater adoption of CPUs with more spread out dies if this video should be revisited?

[WereCatf]

13 minutes ago, ArtyIF said:

How does it compare to the typical methods like the pea or X-shape?

There is no practical difference in the temperatures no matter how you do it, as long as there is enough paste.

[Levent]

For EPYC its actually makes sense. For non chiplet design CPUs such as intels consumer level, it kind of doesnt.

[narrdarr]

really you could any method you want. a single big dot in the center, a 6 dots, 10 dots, an x shape, x shape with dots, or even spread it yourself. whatever makes you feel comfortable that you got full coverage. full coverage is less important with Intel chips as the chip is in the center, but ryzen chips are offset.

keep in mind that mounting pressure may have an effect your out come, but is kinda hard to screw up nowadays, so dont over think it.  just put the cooler.

[SupaKomputa]

1 hour ago, ArtyIF said:

I have NEVER seen anyone apply thermal paste like that.

It's pretty common. Doesn't really matter how you put it, as long as it covers evenly.

[minibois]

The Idea with paste is that there is only such a thing as too little or way too much paste.

This method of the 5 blobs of paste does make sense from a spreading point of view, where I think this would spread pretty evelyn over the CPU (similar to the X method I think).

 

There is only too little paste, which can be achieved by making one blob just too little.

Then of course too much paste, other than being wasteful and annoying to clean up, can hinder performance too.

You really just want a thin even amount of paste over the CPU, which aids in the good transfer of heat between the IHS and cooler.

[Mark Kaine]

5 hours ago, Skiiwee29 said:

personally use the X method on CPUs to make sure I get edge to edge coverage.

Me too,  but I also put 4 small dots "around" the X if that makes sense...

 

 

I don't have a lot of experience with this but I've noticed sometimes there's just small pieces on the edge that don't get covered if i use the "pea size dot" method... and i think the same could happen with X method...

 

I think next time I'll actually spread it very thinly, that kind of makes the most sense,  it's really not the amount rather than coverage that concerns me a little bit...

 

 #@ShrimpBrime was right.

[freeagent]

I used to do a line down the cores and plant the cooler on and give it a titty twister before I give it the clamps, always worked good. Since I got this Ryzen Ive been a puss and I do a line down the side and spread it over the IHS. Seems to work pretty good. My temps are nice and even. Though I cant say that with great certainty because Intel shows you individual core temps and AMD does not. But my CCD and CPU temps are nearly identical. Its a good spread.

[Mark Kaine]

40 minutes ago, freeagent said:

I used to do a line down the cores and plant the cooler on and give it a titty twister before I give it the clamps, always worked good. Since I got this Ryzen Ive been a puss and I do a line down the side and spread it over the IHS. Seems to work pretty good. My temps are nice and even. Though I cant say that with great certainty because Intel shows you individual core temps and AMD does not. But my CCD and CPU temps are nearly identical. Its a good spread.

Yeah, exactly you can't be too sure with the weird way temps get measured on ryzen apparently,  but I have a good feeling with my X 4 dots method this time. 

 

It wasn't that even before, of course i can't know if that's because of my new noctua cooler or my superior dot X tech

[freeagent]

I just ran this for you, only 5 minutes, but temps were level already. I forgot to turn up my case fans.. could have knocked a couple c off.. but whatever. Its already in the 80s lol.

 

 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Mark Kaine said:

Me too,  but I also put 4 small dots "around" the X if that makes sense...

 

 

I don't have a lot of experience with this but I've noticed sometimes there's just small pieces on the edge that don't get covered if i use the "pea size dot" method... and i think the same could happen with X method...

 

I think next time I'll actually spread it very thinly, that kind of makes the most sense,  it's really not the amount rather than coverage that concerns me a little bit...

 

 #@ShrimpBrime was right.

Can't guarantee full coverage without actually spreading it yourself. Then you know the paste is corner to corner end to end. And it' doesn't need to be a thick coat. Set the cooler down, give a couple of twists and some pushout is expected and ok. 

 

When I don't care (usually on the bench) a big dot in the middle and it never seems to reach the corners unless I use extra but it seems it pushes out only at the edges and never reaches the corners. 

 

My daily rigs are all spread method. 

They are also de-lidded. So I have no choice to spread anyways, especially on the naked die.