Thermal Compound: Spread or not to spread?

[Linnaeus]

Do I spread around the thermal paste on the CPU or do I just put a small pea sized of paste and let the heatsink do the work? I was thinking about putting a plastic bag over my index finger to spread it but I'm not so sure anymore. Is it really important to have the entire CPU covered in paste or no?

 

[Memhorder]

Use a flat plastic card and spread it evenly. Works great. Making sure you get to the very edges. A nice film.

 

[ronintexas]

either way is correct technically - if you are obsessive-compulsive like i am, i prefer to spread it myself to ensure a good coating on the cpu. i usually take a plastic knife or spoon to spread it.

 

[Wolfshadw]

I've gone both ways with no ill effects. When spreading, I like to use the old pseudo-cards you used to get with credit card offers.

-Wolf sends

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

I've had the best results with the old pea sized thermal drip.

 

[Calculatron]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermal-paste-heat-sink-heat-spreader,3600.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermal-paste-performance-benchmark,3616.html

The "pea-sized" method is going to minimize the chance of trapping air bubbles, or whatnot, but even that just a perceivable effect.