How Do You Apply Thermal Compound?

[proxy]

Hmm...that link to benchmark reviews is very interesting and I've seen it before. The HDT method of filling in the crevasses with a little room left on top, and then applying lines between the pipes looks solid. I have a pair of Vendetta 2s to mount so I'll give it a go. The only problem is, it looks like it'll be a nightmare to clean up when replacing the TIM...getting all that packed in and caked on goo goodness out of the channels.

AS5 doesn't exactly clean easily either, it's funny that I still haven't run out yet, I've watched MX-2 through MX-4 come out with curiosity haha.

[Exlibris]

I always tell myself to use the pea method, and then I can't help but think I need two, then three, then four, or five peas. In the end I guess what matters is only that no goop gets in the pins or on the mobo.

[trayton]

This is quite a debate, I've always done the finger method and never had issues where you spread it completely then a few years ago I learned how bad it was to have your bare finger doing that (for your body), then I started doing the card trick seemed to work fine think I might try this pea trick though I guess see what happens as long as I dont damage the CPU I'm happy!

[SugarJ]

I've always done the X myself, except on HDT heatsinks with an uneven base. It's always produced an even spread for me.

[Fudd Rucker]

I did the smiley face method, now im not sure if its just my new chip or what but my temps are about 15 degrees cooler under load. And ive got a signifigantly higher clockspeed and voltage, not to mention 4 threads being added to the mix.

[cul8erppl]

I tried both line method and pea drop...both didn't really seem to make a huge difference...pea drop uses less and is easier to apply, that's for sure, lol...

[zoob]

Usually two small fat lines side by side, or with a HDT I smush paste into the gaps and apply one dot on each of the middle heatpipes.

With the diamond paste I just put a big blob in the middle (usually only use it with water blocks).

[trayton]

Thought I would report back, been using the pea method lately probably done it about 40 times now and I'm liking it temps are good and when I take it off it seems like the spread is even and what not.

[southbay]

What I do is place a small amount on the cpu, take a plastic bag then wrap it around my finger and spread. This way you can feel if the compound is uneven and it's fun for all the family!

[Your_friendly_gamer]

That is pretty good thinking, I will try that next time.

Originally Posted by southbay

What I do is place a small amount on the cpu, take a plastic bag then wrap it around my finger and spread. This way you can feel if the compound is uneven and it's fun for all the family!