turns on and off constantly after heat sink

[box bundy]

Hi all,
I re-applied the thermal paste to my chips and afterwards the computer just continues to turn on and off constantly. I thoroughly cleaned the old goo but did put a reasonably thick spread back on thinking that it'll squish out to the correct thickness.
anyone come across this? what are the guru's thoughts?

 

[Ajay57]

I have seen it sometimes you can have a small or tiny amount of paste down the side of the CPU where the contacts are. This can cause a short circuit just needs a real good clean with a bit of Alcohol. And while your cleaning you could check the pins in the CPU socket as well. AJ.

But on and off points to a short somewhere in that area!

 

[idkfa]

I have seen it sometimes you can have a small or tiny amount of paste down the side of the CPU where the contacts are. This can cause a short circuit

Although most Thermal pastes shouldnt be conductive you will avoid what ajay just pointed out.

And by reading "reasonably thick spread" I would assume you used way too much.
Here's a picture from my last application, this should be sufficient. Your heatsink will spread it out nicely due to the pressure while mounting.

 

[box bundy]

that's a thin spread there compared to what I've done.
yep, I'm guessing I've put too much on. I'm shocked that this stuff may be conductive.
I'm a long way from home at the moment so I'll try again when I get back and let you all know the results. there would definitely be some touching - I didn't think it would matter!
what's the best paste to use for this? I'll buy some in
and thanks both of you