Question Paste pattern advice ?

[Alectrona]

In what pattern should I apply my thermal paste and about how much?

 

[Alectrona]

Most people just use x or dot does not really matter. Amount should just take up surface on the cpu. do not overapply because it will be a pain in the future and could end up getting in the socket.

 

[Lafong]

Size between BB and green pea is about right.

There are tens of thousands of words on the net about the topic; 99 percent of which will appeal to the obsessed while having minimal practical value.

 

[Eugene$$]

best one is spreading with spatula

 

[Alectrona]

best one is spreading with spatula

it does not matter.. your paste will be spread from the pressure of the heatsink, complete waste of time.

 

[geofelt]

Understand the purpose of paste.
It is to fill in microscopic air pits in the mating surfaces.
Air is a poor conductor of heat.
Paste is much better.
But paste is not as good as metal to metal contact.
Applying too much paste will act as an insulator; it is hard to use too little.
Application methods vary with not much real difference among them.
A small rice sized drop in the center of the cpu will spread out under heat and pressure.

As an update, for lga1700 and am4/5,
noctua recommends a small drop in each corner and a drop in the center.

 

[CountMike]

Books were printed and movies are made on that subject often countering each other.
During many years I found that spreading paste gives best control of amount of paste. Too much is problem only in case it spills over the side but too little may not cover full IHS. I spread it thick enough not to see letters on IHS and leave about 2mm at edges not covered. Pressure will do the rest. Mounting cooler makes more difference than amount, it should be done in one go, not taking it off or letting slide around. If you have to lift cooler off, smooth it back again.