paste application help

[drdenby]

I am trying to understand why too much paste applied is a bad thing.

Aside from the obviousness of it being wasteful why is it so bad if you have some "squeezeout"

As long as it is not electrically conductive, wont just the use of a couple of q-tips take care of it?

After all, if you get a uniform runout of all sides then you know that it has been completely and evenly spread out over the entire whatsitcalled (die?) right?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

It's unnecessary to get spread over the entire surface because the most heat is in the center.

Also, too much paste will slow down the heat transfer because there will be more space/material for the heat to travel through which degrades the effectiveness of the paste. The paste is mainly there to remove air pockets in the base of the cooler and between the cooler and chip.

 

[drdenby]

Thanks for responding. It makes me wonder why so so so many videos many by "experts"show the use of a tool or something being used to spread the paste from corner to corner as one of the methods of application.

They did give the caveat that it should only be done that way by someone experienced so that no bubbles or tears or unevenness gets in.

But even that added warning gives the impression that that is the superior way as long as it is nice and even.

So why are there so many videos and instructions advocating the complete paste spread method?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Like any other way of doing ANYTHING, tradition? Superstition? OCD?

Just read both parts of this series: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermal-paste-heat-sink-heat-spreader,3600.html

 

[wrathofdragon]

I dont know about others, but a BB sized dab in the middle, squashed by the heatsink is always the best way for me. No bubbles, no excess sqeezeout (ungainly, can attract dust, may cause heat issues eventually down the line if not taken care of properly, and may come loose and become lodged in the fans or other sensitive places).

 

[drdenby]

Ok, I have read that guide thoroughly.

If I have understood correctly, for my Intel processor, I should be ok with arctic silver cmq2

put in a toothpaste shape dollop "horizontally" across the middle "third" of the HOTSPOT

Does this sound right? Have I understood that guide/review?

 

[ThatVietGuy]

Yes.

 

[Jason H.]

I am trying to understand why too much paste applied is a bad thing.

Aside from the obviousness of it being wasteful why is it so bad if you have some "squeezeout"

As long as it is not electrically conductive, wont just the use of a couple of q-tips take care of it?

After all, if you get a uniform runout of all sides then you know that it has been completely and evenly spread out over the entire whatsitcalled (die?) right?

too much paste can do the exact opposite of what the paste is for to begin with. To much could cause air bubble and cause heat problems, in this situation, less is better. But you want to make sure the paste is spread over all cores for best heat transfer. And besides, who wants a messy goopy heatsink lol.

 

[drdenby]

Thanks all. I believe I now have a much better idea of what this paste is all about.

 

[Jason H.]

Thanks all. I believe I now have a much better idea of what this paste is all about.

No problem, I have learned so much from this site, definately use this site as a tool for future upgrades or questions, people here know what they are talking about! Hope all is well!