Properly applying thermal paste to an i7

[fragr]

I've read three different ways to properly apply AS5 or any thermal paste for that matter. The most favored and the one I like best is where you put a small amount of thermal paste in the middle of the CPU and then put a plastic bag or something similar over your finger and evenly rub the thermal paste on the surface of the CPU. Is this the method most people use? If not, suggest some other ways please.


-Thanks

 

[curnel_D]

Depends on where I'm at/what I have to do that day. If I have to stay clean I use my blockbuster membership card (That's all it's good for). If not, I just rub it in with my thumb after washing my hands. Skip the plastic bag.

 

[evilshuriken]

That is one technique. I used to just put a small amount on the center and have the heatsink spread it out, but I find that I usually get better results by spreading it myself.

Sometime if anyone actually uses this forum's search feature...

 

[assasin32]

I find my school's library printer card works best for me for spreading the thermal paste, just get a nice good THIN even amount on the heatsink, eyeball it and cut off the excess, than mount it. Works for me and I have no complaints.

BTW we really should have a Apply Thermal Paste sticky, this question is asked and answered way too many times.

 

[eidoom]

I'd cut a bit of plastic off the cooler's packaging and use it to spread the thermal paste. Last time, I just put a dot in the middle of the processor and let the heatsink flatten it out, time before, I spread it with a little cloth (this wastes the paste!), but I think the plastic spreader would be the best option.

Oh, just wrote that before realising this is 4 years old...