New
#21
I want to know why the paste is so thick, wouldn't a more viscous base material work better? Or would that run a larger risk of running off the side if too much was applied?
Thermal paste
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New #22
Again, why risk scratching the surface with a razor??? Letting the heatsink pressure spread it is risk free and does the job perfectly.
Oh and I'm pretty sure thermal paste has a thick consistency so it fills the gaps properly.
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New #24
Certain compounds have their own particular viscosity, so there is no true 'one application method' that fits all.
Some are suited to the 'single dab' , others are suited to the 'twin lines' (for quads) and others the 'even' spread.
Regardless of method, one common factor is that they all are intended to achieve the same goal - a 'thin uniform' spread to fill in the minute gaps between the CPU and base of whatever cooler is attached.
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New #25
The many methods I have seen.
Small dab, 1/2 the size of a grain of rice in the center. Apply cooler, slight twist left and right.
Same amount, spread with a credit card, should be so thin as the lettering shows through.
Same amount, turn a plastic sandwich bag inside out. Put your finger in the corner and spread the paste with your finger evenly.
For direct touch heat pipes. "Butter" the cooler bottom, wiping off all the paste on the flat surface, leaving the spaces near the tubes filled with the paste. VERY thin line on each pipe. Attach cooler.
Same as above, but spreading the paste very thinly along length of each pipe with a credit card.
Often when testing sites review coolers, they use the small amount, and apply cooler method, because they show a picture of the cooler removed so you see how well it covered the top of the CPU.
I personally think the thin (thin is the key word) spreading assures complete coverage, and erring on too little would be better than too much. Cover the bottom of the heatsink, and remove all the paste will also fill many imperfections.
A Guy
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New #26
i'm not sure how well you can see from the photo, but i've got a couple of plastic 'templates' that you place over the chip, apply a lentil-ish sized dab of paste, then scrape off the excess with a credit-card-style applicator.
works well, and leaves a very thin film as deep as the plastic template.
it came from 'cooler master'.
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New #28
i'm sure you could make your own very easily.
it just needs to be the right size.
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New #29
It is not so complicated, just add some paste and spread it out. Even the simple stuff for transistors works.Thermal compound works just as well just not as good.
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New #30
Well sure, you can use anything, and apply it any old way. But to achieve the lowest possible temps with a given CPU cooler, it needs to be done right. Heat sink compound is a poor substitute for a good thermal paste. It would be better than nothing, but if installed incorrectly, it may not be. A Guy
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