Do these temps seem reasonable?

[j2talc]

When you say they don't make the thin layer you mean they do the thin line technique like I posted above?

 

[overshocked]

^ Yeah... The thin line method.

 

[g3force]

AS wants to give you every reason to go for their thermal paste instead of the cheap $2 TIM you can buy at a local electronics store. XS' method could be better, but I suspect that AS tested a variety of methods and found the thin line to be better.

Besides, I doubt you would see a tangible difference between the thin line or spreading methods, possibly 2C at best if you do it perfectly.

 

[baddad]

I would upgrade your cooler to this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134 I use it on all my air cooled machines.