Question about applying thermal compound

[Daddy Walrus]

So I just ordered a whole lot of gear from http://www.below-0.com . Now, I'm getting some "Arctic Silver II" thermal compound, aswell as an aluminium shim.

I'm a newbie when it comes to this, so do I apply the thermal compound to both sides of the shim, or just the part that will have contact with the heatsink? Do I spread it over the whole top of the CPU, or just the middle? Damn it sucks being a newbie :)

Thanks in advance :)


Oh, and does anyone happen to know if I'll have too much trouble getting this globalwin chipset cooler onto a Leadtek Geforce 3? http://users.bigpond.com/ontsys/video.htm

[Violator]

Apply a thin layer to the core (the raised bit in the middle) and the bottom of the HS (after cleaning off any crappy thermal pad stuff that may already be there). Best way to do this is with an old credit card or a glue spreader, or a razor come to think of it. Too much paste acts as an insulator which you don't want.

[Daddy Walrus]

Thanks :)

Just one more thing, when you say to apply the paste to the bottom of the HS, do you mean the entire bottom, or just the part that sits on the core?

[Kendan]

Here is the link to the arctic silver website: http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm
I hope these instructions help. And to answer your question just on the area of the heatsink that will contact the core but only the smallest amount. I hope this helps.

[Hoot]

You only need to apply it to the core that rises above the center of the CPU. No need to apply it also to the base of the heatsink. That would be redundant. You should strive to spread it evenly and relatively thin. Don't worry if you have trouble "squeegying" it on real thin. Any excess will squish out between the heatsink base and core when you lock the HSF down. That isn't a license to glob it on like peanut butter on toast though. You also don't have to spend hours reapplying it because you can't get it micro-thin. Starting with a clean HS base and core is a must though.
Way too much time is spent in the forums discussing and debating the "Art" or applying AS. It's just not that critical.

Hoot