How much and how to apply thermal paste?

[robeng]

Hi! I'm going to build my second computer. This is the first time I'm going to apply my own thermal paste. I'm using a i5-6600k and a CM Hyper TX3i. I need help to know how much I should apply and if I should apply it directly to the CPU or to the coolers contact area?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[Levent]

I just apply big enough pea sized thermal paste at the center of the CPU, everyone's method differs though.

[Leonard]

Now It depends on the IHS size to know exactly how much to apply but normally just a pea sized drop and then you let the CPU cooler smear it evenly. There are some TIMs that require you to smear it first like liquid ultra and Gelid GC to name a few.

[Jamil367]

You need to be careful if its conductive

 

[Cyracus]

For that cpu, about a grain of rice sized glob, the cpu cooler will naturally spread it out. As long as you aren't using electrically conductive paste you could put a mountain on there, you won't lose cooling performance, you'll just have a mess to deal with, too little paste or bad coverage though will result in high thermals