How to apply thermal compound correctly?

[Nils]

Hi,

I got a bit confused about the way to apply a thermal compound like Artic Silver 5 correctly. Should it be done like AS5 reports on their webpage, this means putting a line of it on the heatspreader and then let the pressure of the heatsink spread it out. Like this you're putting quite a lot of TIM on it.
On other websites however, I've read you should spread a very thin layer of TIM on the CPU or heatsink but not on both. They stress that it is very important to make it as thin as possible.

So does anyone know what is the right way?

Thanks

 

[1971Rhino]

I prefer the thin layer method.......really the big key is not use too much.

 

[Granite3]

I always use my finger in a latex glove, a bb size dab of TIM in the center, and dash it around untill the surface has a cloudy/hazy look to it, then apply the heatsink.

You want just enough to fill in the imperfections in the two opposing sides, not enough to create a barrier to the effeciency of heat transfer between the 2.

 

[hairycat101]

I use honey instead of thermal paste.

 

[fleakiller]

Thats a sweet cpu

 

[war_machine07]

I've followed the AS instructions posted on their website for several CPU heatsink installations. I've never had any problems and have gotten great results. I also let the heatsinks sit for one day (or at least overnight) while the motherboard is laying flat. Typical processors only need a dab of AS5 the size of a grain of rice (with multicore procs needing slightly more of course). I highly recommend using some AS cleaner/purifier (or some rubbing alcohol) and coffee filters (since it is lint free) to wipe off and clean both the processor and heatsink. Most of these tips are on the webiste anyways, but here there are again.

 

[eklipz330]

toothpaste is the best. no lie.
the damage it'll do to your heatsink and proc is something else lol

i lay down 4 pieces of scotch tape on each of the processor sides, about 3 mm off from each side, i put a dab of ac5/mx2 and spread it around with a metrocard [NY FTW]

my temps dropped like no joke, 5-10C when i used the scotch tape trick on my cpu/nb/sb. it keeps the TIM from dripping to the sides, make sure you twist/rotate your heatsink about 45degrees in each direction, don't move it any other way or you'll spread all over your heatsink which may cause it to drip, especially if its viscous

 

[V3NOM]

i put a condom on my finger and spread the whole tube of it over the cpu.

 

[V3NOM]

rofl jk depends on the HSF you're using. if you're using a xigmatek HDT-S1283 for example, put a thin line on each of the three heatpipes. then mount it with the middle pipe covering the red line on the arctic silver diagram thingo

if some other cooler, idk probly just put a small dot in the centre of the CPU or a thin line in the right direction :S

 

[Nils]

I'm using a TRUE. First I have applied grease following the instructions in the TRUE's manual, this means putting a layer on both CPU and HSF. Temps were good, but I thought they could get better, so I reinstalled it some months later, only applying a thin layer on the CPU, but now temps are even worse. Although I have not yet passed the 'break-in' period, but I'm not expecting to much of it.
I'm starting to hate the TRUE because the base is not flat at all and because of that you need to apply tons of TIM to get contact with the entire CPU. I also see that one of the Dual core dies in my quad core is getting much hotter than the other one. I suppose this is also caused by the bad contact
So I'm thinking of getting another cooler for my next build. What cooler should I use instead for OC'ing a quad?

 

[V3NOM]

xigmatek HDT-S1283! you won't be sorry

 

[yaoiboimi]

I grab my lucky penny and evenly smooth it down with a thin layer over the surface of the CPU. The penny has got me lucky every time.

 

[V3NOM]

^good method...

 

[Nils]

I grab my lucky penny and evenly smooth it down with a thin layer over the surface of the CPU. The penny has got me lucky every time.

yeah, I've already though about lapping it, but again, I'm confused about that. Some say a mirror finish is the best you can get, others say not because it will cause CPU and heatsink not to touch each other because of the TIM. How have you finished it, yaoiboimi?

 

[Nils]

xigmatek HDT-S1283! you won't be sorry

Has that one a really flat base and can you do some some serious OC's with it?

 

[assasin32]

I use my schools library card (none of those number indents on the card) and I make the thinest layer possible on the CPU, which is usually less than half the width of the credit card (the thinnest perfectly even surface I can make). Though if you don't have much experience with spreading materials on a surface (like I did with car body work) than I suggest you go with what someone else suggested and put scotch tape to the sides of the CPU, or even better masking tape (easier to remove in my opinion) so you don't get it all over the place.

Oh and its not a bad idea to stick the card into the thermal paste to check how deep it is, granted you will have to redo it than but you be surprise at how much you can misjudge the depth sometimes.

 

[Nils]

I put two very small drops of TIM on the CPU's surface and then I've spread them out with a piece of hard plastic coming from the package of a fan I had just ordered. Suppose you could do it that way too.

 

[fleakiller]

As long as it is covered and not shorting cpu all is good

 

[Nils]

yeah, but I suppose that method only works for a well-finished heatsink. I guess for a HSF like the TRUE you need to use a whole tube of AS5 to fill up the holes.

 

[rfatcheric]

Why not just lap that TRUE. If you're going to replace it anyway then you really have nothing to lose. That would be the perfect time to try lapping for the first time imo.

 

[Nils]

Might do that. Right now I'm trying to find a shop where I can buy Xigmatek or Sunbeamtech, but it ain't easy in my country. I could also go for Coolermaster. I'm really curious about the new V-series. The V8 has already hit the stores, I think.
Btw: The Sunbeam CCF is not mounted with screws. Is there a mounting bracket available for it with screws?

 

[Superhal]

i hope this article can put to rest the "best application method" debate:
http://www.innovationcooling.com/applicationisnstructions.htm

I've used this technique twice so far, and gotten amazing results. Right now, I'm running:
0-1C over case ambient at idle (5.5-6C over room temp)
14C over case ambient at 100% load, 165w output, 20% overclock, 1.33 voltage. (19-20C over room temp)

You can see what the sunbeam comes with here:
http://www.frostytech.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=2271

ug. i bought the sunbeam, and i looked at the intel ring. it's got push pins and these weak plastic mounts to secure the top of it. you should get a mounting kit. there's no way to screw the hsf directly into the board, you have to use an o-ring with the am2 clips.

here's a little buyer's guide i put together:
http://forums.amd.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=11&threadid=100223&enterthread=y

You need to do your own research on mounting methods though. in my article, i just looked if there was an am2 clip or not (since it's for an amd board.) reviews for the sunbeam have been great for intel chips, but i really doubt the "good" review sites used this ring.

for shopping, try www.pricewatch.com, international sales.

 

[n1stunna]

I apply a dot as small as possible
it tends to be about half the size of rice.

I then wash my hands and use my index finger to spread it all over the cpu.

The layer is so thin that you can see through it.

once the heat sink in on I rotate it a bit.

oh and I use some cheep Masscool paste that I paid $3 for

 

[Superhal]

um, i think those temperatures are impossible, unless you are seeing frost and ice buildup around the cpu. try to cross reference with core temp and speedfan.

 

[n1stunna]

Here is the cross reference

The speed is wrong here It should be 2.8ghz

I think I just got a cool running chip.

and the perfect amount of TIM