How to apply thermal paste correctly.

[Ghost]

There seems to be a big argument going on about this no-one is ever sure what technique of applying thermal paste is best.

I very recently found an amazing source of information for this; http://www.arcticsilver.com/methods.html

It describes the correct application method for every CPU out there.

[boggle4321]

is more expensive thermal paste worth it, i mean i need new stuff so should i just spent 10 bucks or 25? would i see a noteable diference?

[Ghost]

is more expensive thermal paste worth it' date=' i mean i need new stuff so should i just spent 10 bucks or 25? would i see a noteable diference? [/quote']

I don't think anything does cost more than $15 anyway.

Here are the charts for you:

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/geek_tested_17_thermal_pastes_face?page=0,1

(the AS5 in those results was not burned in)

You decide.

[Larrivee013]

To answer the main question, you can refer yourself to Linus with his "As fast as possible" series

[Ghost]

To answer the main question' date=' you can refer yourself to Linus with his "As fast as possible" series [url']

No you can't.

If you read the guide it tells you have to apply thermal paste for every CPU and shows you where the cores are located under the cover. For EVERY CPU.

Linus also did not go over pre-applying the paste beforehand to get rid of imperfections on the CPU and heatsink.

That guide is for complete beginners.

[k-x3]

Investing in a good thermal paste is worth it. You can probably see a 3-5degree C difference between a good thermal paste and a standard one. (When i say good i mean AS5)

http://youtu.be/-hNgFNH7zhQ shows how different application methods work out

Nothing should cost more than 15 dollars except indigo Xtreme. I heard many good things about it and seems like it is actually the best performer.

Anyone can confirm this?

[tito]

This thread should be stick, great info. The most complete guide on how-to apply thermal paste according to your exact CPU. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[maximilian4o]

I'm going to have some free time these days. So I want to know which Thermal Paste to buy. I'm thinking between Tuniq TX-4 and Arctic Silver 5. I know that the AS5 is amazing, but what about the Tuniq TX-4 ?. I would be happy to read some suggestions. Thank you :)

[Chakshu]

Hey what are epoxy based compounds?

Are they for mosfets?

[ShadowLight18]

 

this is the best and only way to apply thermal compound.

 

:P

[rossi94]

It really depends on the paste .. 

[joelthezombie15]

is more expensive thermal paste worth it, i mean i need new stuff so should i just spent 10 bucks or 25? would i see a noteable diference?

good question i wondered that myself

[JordanMac]

There seems to be a big argument going on about this no-one is ever sure what technique of applying thermal paste is best.

I very recently found an amazing source of information for this; http://www.arcticsilver.com/methods.html

It describes the correct application method for every CPU out there.

thanks for posting, it make sense to do a vertical line for intel ivy bridge because the silcon is down the centre, just realised this.

[Ghost]

thanks for posting, it make sense to do a vertical line for intel ivy bridge because the silcon is down the centre, just realised this.

Yup. The guide shows where the die is in every chip,  that's why its so useful. ;)

[Wheelzz]

The pea-sized dot in the center works fine for most chips, some chips (like LGA-2011) seem to benefit from a line as they are bigger chips. If I am installing a HDT cooler like my Hyper 212, I use my finger in a plastic bag (or a card) to spread a TINY bit of Thermal Compound between the heatpipes so that it is flush with the mounting surface of the cooler. The Thermal Compound will spread much better.

[Blackterror25]

 

A dot or a line seems to give the best results

[bennyino]

i guess this is a good place to ask, a 4g tube of thermal paste can be used how many time aproximately? never bought aftermarket paste and looking into ic diamond

[Ghost]

i guess this is a good place to ask, a 4g tube of thermal paste can be used how many time aproximately? never bought aftermarket paste and looking into ic diamond

You only need a small amount so at a minimum 5 applications and at a maximum 10 applications.

[911^NEmeSis]

is more expensive thermal paste worth it, i mean i need new stuff so should i just spent 10 bucks or 25? would i see a noteable diference?

I guess just a difference of a few degrees with temps.

[bennyino]

You only need a small amount so at a minimum 5 applications and at a maximum 10 applications.

thanks :)

[AustinTheIntern]

Awesome link. I hope this gets stickied.

[Clifford]

Dang, Arctic Silver 5 for $13 a tube? I bought mine off Amazon for like $2...

[AustinTheIntern]

Dang, Arctic Silver 5 for $13 a tube? I bought mine off Amazon for like $2...

Looks like the price went up. O.o

[Clifford]

Looks like the price went up. O.o

Maybe... I bought mine a year ago so maybe I just got in at a good time. :D

[XiaoPigs]

I use NH-T1s for my thermal paste. Anyways thanks for posting this guide Ghost ^^