what method should i use to apply thermal paste?

[KrutikFTW]

Im using Intel i5 4590 and Hyper 212 Evo. I know i don't need a aftermarket cooler since im not OCing but im trying to make my CPU last as long as possible and add some better performance to my CPU

 

[GTMoraes]

a small mustard seed size of thermal paste on the middle of the CPU is good enough (http://images.pcworld.com/images/article/2011/12/amd-tim-6653410.jpg). Don't put too much, or it'll do more bad than good.
Make sure both CPU and heatsink are very clean and free of dust particles or oil coating. Don't spread the thermal paste over the CPU, let the heatsink spread it by itself.

 

[clutchc]

Ask 10 people and you may get 10 different answers. The above is as good as any. If you want to go by the Intel method, use the thin bead as outlined in the Arctic Silver 5 instructions for 4th Generation Core™ i5 Processors: http://www.arcticsilver.com/intel_application_method.html#
Either way will wok fine.