Best way to spread thermal compound?

[robotdino304]

I just bought a Noctua NH-14s and replacing the stock intel cooler with this badboy. What do you suggest for methods of spreading thermal compound? is it okay if I spread the thermal compound on the whole cpu? I know this is probably a question you are asked alot but what is your best method? Here is my system.

i74770K processor
Asus Maximus Hero VI
G skill 8gb of 1.5 v ram
Corsair 850 watt psu


When I attach the fan to the cpu fan header will I have to adjust the cpu fan in bios or will it be automatic?


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA3KX16D4177


Thanks for your help!

 

[rvilkman]

There are couple of schools in how to spread thermal paste.

1) The pea method: put a dollop on the center of the CPU and let the pressure spread it on the heatsink
2) the X method: draw a think X with the thermal paste on the CPU and let pressure spread it on top of the heatsink
3) spread a thin layer on top of the whole cpu
4) a combination of the above or another method completely

Generally any of them will do, the amount is more critical than the specific application style, not too much, not too little.

 

[robotdino304]

Just installed my new cpu fan and heatsink and now its running at 30 degrees Celsius on idle. How long will it take for thermal compound to set in?

I also had to turn off the q fan monitoring because I kept on getting a cpu fan error. I am no longer getting this error anymore. Should I go back and increase the RPM for CPU fan?

 

[robotdino304]

My CPU temp is reading a 26-28 degree's Celsius on idle. Are those numbers stable?


My Processor is an Intel Haswell i74770k

 

[robotdino304]

Bump are these temperatures good?

 

[carrera911]

Bump are these temperatures good?

I dont have a i7 but my fx 6300 which is very close idles at 7-10 degrees with the stock cooler.

 

[robotdino304]

Bump are these temperatures good?

I dont have a i7 but my fx 6300 which is very close idles at 7-10 degrees with the stock cooler.

Are my temperature's okay should I worry about it? Does you Cpu idle at 7-10 degrees more than mine?

 

[carrera911]

Bump are these temperatures good?

I dont have a i7 but my fx 6300 which is very close idles at 7-10 degrees with the stock cooler.

Are my temperature's okay should I worry about it? Does you Cpu idle at 7-10 degrees more than mine?

What program are you using to monitor your temps? What were the temps before the aftermarket cooler? If you installed an aftermarket cooler thats made for your processor and its hotter than before something is wrong. Im not really that much of an expert on this but a search on yahoo told me 70 degrees celsius is the maximum safe temperature. I use a program called core temp to monitor my cpu temp. All I can say is with my processor with turbo on to run at 4.1GHz and playing a game (Such as world of tanks) I never go over 30-35. I would install core temp and their gadget for windows 7 and monitor the temps if its over 40 not doing much work there is a problem. My method of applying thermal paste is placing a bb in the middle of the cpu and sticking a piece of clear office tape to my finger and using the unsticky side to spread it over the entire cpu. Go on youtube and search Carey Holzman and watch his videos he gave me that idea.

 

[robotdino304]

I am using speccy it has a monitor for a cpu temp and mine is 27 to 28 degrees Celsius. My core temp readings are about the same. I guess I am okay my after market heatsink is 25, 27, 28 degrees celius and 37 degrees when I play a game. Thats not to bad. It seems?

 

[carrera911]

I am using speccy it has a monitor for a cpu temp and mine is 27 to 28 degrees Celsius. My core temp readings are about the same.

Run some programs and see what you max out at. The KEY her is what temp was it at before installing the aftermarket cooler vs. what its at now. And unless you will be overclocking there is no need for a big aftermarket cooler.