Heatsink/CPU Contact

[Guest]

I just installed a new heatsink/fan (OFRIO) and I had some questions. The only part of the heatsink that touches the CPU is that little 1/2" x 3/4" part in the middle right? THis seemms strange to me since...wouldn't it be better if the entire surface of the CPU was completely level so that there was a larger area of contact between it and the Heatsink so it would disperse heat better?

It seems ridiculous that I have this 5" x 5" heatsink and only a tiny portion of it is touching the CPU.

BTW I am talking about a Socket A Athlon T-Bird.

When I was installing it I thought to myself, "I'm not supposed to put this whole tube of thermal grease on the CPU am I?" Well I just put some on that small raised surface in the middle of the CPU...this is correct isn't it?

I was curious because a) never had a nice heatsink and b) the temperature didn't change when I changed it from the crap factory one to the mega cooling one that is supposed to lower the temp by 20 degrees or something.

THANKS!

 

[phsstpok]

You only need the thinest coating of thermal paste/grease. You should see a thin film of material over the die in fact you should still be able to see the lettering on top of the die even if you can't quite read it. The idea is to get surface to surface contact between the heatsink and the die. The paste is only to fill the microscopic pores on the surfaces. I apply the paste and "squeegy" it off with a razor blade leaving just a film. Apply it to both the CPU (die only) and the back of the heatsink.