Question How much Thermal Paste on a laptop CPU?

[1405]

As often as I've done this on a desktop CPU, I've never done it on a laptop. I've got an old Thinkpad Ivy Bridge laptop I'd like to upgrade the CPU on (from i3-2120M to i7-3612QM). Then donate it. It's in like new condition having had little use. Seems a shame to just scrap it.
Anyway... since mobile processors don't come with heat shields, I was wondering... do I just apply the TIM to the small microchip itself? Or do I need to coat the entire substrate as well?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

This is exactly the same process as a desktop. You only need enough to fill the microscopic pits and scratches in the mating surfaces. It should look "hazy" and almost as if there isn't enough. If it squeezes out you applied too much.

 

[Lutfij]

How much Thermal Paste on a laptop CPU?
I generally put a small amount, to cover the center of the CPU and let the cooler assembly squish the past across the CPU's die/IHS.

I've got an old Thinkpad Ivy Bridge laptop I'd like to upgrade the CPU on (from i3-2120M to i7-3612QM
You sure the laptop can accept the CPU that you wish to upgrade to? Lenovo is teh brand while Thinkpad is the series of teh laptop. I hope you've verified that the SKU of your laptop accepts the 7-3612QM.

What thermal paste are you working with?

 

[1405]

How much Thermal Paste on a laptop CPU?
I generally put a small amount, to cover the center of the CPU and let the cooler assembly squish the past across the CPU's die/IHS.

I've got an old Thinkpad Ivy Bridge laptop I'd like to upgrade the CPU on (from i3-2120M to i7-3612QM
You sure the laptop can accept the CPU that you wish to upgrade to? Lenovo is teh brand while Thinkpad is the series of teh laptop. I hope you've verified that the SKU of your laptop accepts the 7-3612QM.

What thermal paste are you working with?

I douple-checked here on Tom's Hardware quite awhile back and was given a list of supported CPUs by one of the members. I verified that against the list I found here. If you have any conflicting info, or can suggest a different CPU, please pass it along to me. Thank you.

I will use the TIM I use for my desktop work; MX4. I've got lots of that..