How do you apply your TIM?

[freecableguy]

Please complete the poll!

[eva2000]

voted.. i use AS5 and ceramique depending on how long i plan to have the cpu in the board heh

AS5 long term cpu
Ceraqmiue if i'm swapping cpus out fairly quickly

[freecableguy]

I'm still trying to figure out if there is an salt in the argument that Ceramique is really better than AS5 for TEC cooling. I think I am going to use AS5 as I have seen no REAL proof that AS5 doesn't work well at the low temperatures nor that it does not cure correctly. Technical data on the website suggests that the product works just as well in these sub-zero situations as Ceramique.

[Karnivore]

First, my application method depends on the TIM, either glob and place, or extremely thin layer applied via plastic on finger. As for AS5 I have seen it crystalize on the head of a Prom, doesn't work well in extreme cold, it would probably be great on the hot side of the TEC, cold side Ceramique, same for DD cooling...

[LilGator]

I've always used AS3/5, aircooled HSFs of course. Usually put a dab on a let the HSF screw down and even it out (SLK-948u / SP-97)

I'll have to try applying it thin with a razor next...

[pelikan]

I put a tiny blob on the barton core and let my water block squeeze it out. Its just easier this way and works pretty good.

[masterofpuppets]

For little heatsinks like the southbridge and mosfets, I use a little dab of arctic adhesive on the heatsink and press it together so it spreads out then I hold until dry. For CPU's I use AS5 and spread out a thin layer across the IHS. I also lap all my heatsinks.

[sparkie34]

AS5 and a razor blade all the way!

[faruquehabib]

dot in center of core and press. i used to spread w/ razor, but the dab method seems to work much better for me

[Poki]

Only a small drop in the center of a lapped IHS. If there isn't an IHS i use a razor blade to skim a thin layer on the core area of the HS. Prensent TIM of choice is AS5 for my own stuff and Ceramique for others.

[Kalway]

I like ceramique, it's non-conductive. I spread a small layer with plastic over my hand.

[blinky]

Originally posted by Kalway
I like ceramique, it's non-conductive. I spread a small layer with plastic over my hand. i sometimes use a plastic bag to spread TIM on the bottom of the HSF to get in all the tiny ridges like in the thermalright instructions ;)

and i use a razor blade or playing card for a thin layer on the cpu

[saaya]

dont like ceramique, way too thick...

heres how i apply termal grease:

lap, never to a real mirror finish as in my expirience it 1) takes too long and 2) fills all the microscopic gaps on the surface with either metal dust or lapping material. so the smallest i use is 600.

then i wash both sides and brush them with an old toothbrush to remove the microscopic dirt (quite a lot!)

then i dry and polish it with some old cloth for around 10mins.

then i apply some termal grease and spread it over both surfaces with my finger (after i washed my hands)

then i place a small dab of tim in the center of one of the surfaces and finally mount the heatsink.

[Highland3r]

Usually stick a blob in the center of the core/IHS and spread to a thin layer with an old cleaned credit card, then wipe the excess on the sink and mount it. AMD cores, use a clean plastic bag to get a very thin layer on the cpu, much easier than a card as they are so small....