Best way to apply new thermal paste

Angry_Norwegian · Aug 3, 2006

As the topic says, I'd like to know the best way to apply new goop.

This is a suggestion I have read at another forum:
Remove old paste with isopropanol, smugde in new paste on both processor and heatsink, remove excess with a razor blade or scalpel, assemble.

I was wondering how much goop I should leave. Scraping off with a razor blade leaves almost no visible amount of paste. Is this a good thing, or should I leave a thin layer?

Captain Slug · Aug 3, 2006

I just place a really small dab on the center of the die face or IHS and then smoosh it around with a clipping off an index card or business card. Apply the right amount and then spread it out evenly, the heatsink or waterblock will compress it the rest of the way.

Using something like a razor blade or scalpel would simply remove the vast majority of what little you applied. You should have a very thin, but fairly visible layer of paste.

dz_jad · Aug 3, 2006

thats a good idea, I've always just kinda "wing'ed it" everytime I've had to...trying new methods each time, but this sounds good...

Sir. BOBSONATOR · Aug 3, 2006

yea, i do that to Slug.

orionlion82 · Aug 3, 2006

dz_jad said:
thats a good idea, I've always just kinda "wing'ed it" everytime I've had to...trying new methods each time, but this sounds good...

qft
ive never suceeded in overapplication of thermal paste.
temps are great, but by if you go "by the book" they shouldnt be.
i just slop some on, and install the heatsink.
life is too short to spread thermal paste properly.
plus, if a few degrees matter THAT much, your cooling is inadequate.
wellcome, angry!

Angry_Norwegian · Aug 9, 2006

Thank you, Orionlion82.
Well, yes, my cooling is inappropriate, using a stock cooler for a prescott. After applying new gunk and tidying up in my cabinet, getting cables out of the way and that sort of thing, temperatures dropped from 79°C (!) under load, not oc'ed, to 68° oc'ed. Which is just below throttling temperature. I guess I can live with that until I get my Ninja.

EDIT: By the way, I had a couple of old SIM cards lying around, they're perfect for applying cooling paste.

SolidxSnake · Aug 9, 2006

Ah yes, the classic "proper way to apply thermal paste thread".

AS5:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

Ceramique:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/ceramique_instructions.htm

Alumina:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_alumina_instructions.htm

Alumina Adhesive:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/alumina_adhesive_instructions.asp

Silver Adhesive:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/adhesive_instructions.htm

Problem solved. Using a different paste? Use supplied directions.

nvidiaOCmaster · Aug 9, 2006

The best way is your finger, i apply alot of it, not just a thin layer.

Arca_ex · Aug 9, 2006

It's proven that a thin layer, or the "BB size drop" technique work better than dumping it on.

nvidiaOCmaster · Aug 9, 2006

not for me, I got a 10C drop when i put alot more on!!!

SolidxSnake · Aug 9, 2006

nvidiaOCmaster said:
not for me, I got a 10C drop when i put alot more on!!!

What, are you using a mountain figure for a heatsink?!

UkJenT · Aug 10, 2006

nvidiaOCmaster said:
The best way is your finger, i apply alot of it, not just a thin layer.

Whatever you do, do not use your bare finger. If you do, you will be adding your bodily oils and that is a big no no. It will not cool as well. If you do plan to use your finger to spead the thermal paste, wear a plastic glove.

Best way to apply new thermal paste

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