Best Way to Apply Arctic Silver 5?

[GermaniumGenie]

Ok, I have read the directions on the manufacturers website for how to apply AS5, but I've never actually done it that way. When putting a small dot in the center of the CPU and letting the heatsink spread it out with pressure, would thermal paste really get over the entire processor? Logically, I'd think that covering the entire CPU with a very thin layer (as thin as I can get) of AS5 would result in lowest temps because all the microscopic cavities are being filled in, so I do it that way. Has anyone here compared different methods on the same system? Please post your findings on which method produces lowest temperatures. Thanks.

[Peen]

try it a few times, I put a small dot in center it always spreads perfect for me =)

[The Mofo]

To expand on what Peen says, the size should be about as big as a piece of uncooked rice.

[alexio]

You can use a razorblade to spread it around. Or just put some on your finger and just spread it around with that, works fine too.

[Disposibleteen]

I usually spread it around a tad with a bag wrapped around my finger. This was i dont introduce any of my body oils to the thermal paste. Try it both ways and whichever gives you better temps, go with it.

[13oost]

i use a fresh clean, single sided razor and spread it paper thin on the IHS and heatsink, then i put the small dot in the middle and wiggle some... get super contact that way

[harpyboy]

do it like how u spread butter on a toast..... yummy .....

put a dot on one end of the die.. spread it with a razor or blade towards the other end... this way if u run out of 'butter'... u can put another dot at where u need it..

[NickK]

With X2 core size difference I think it'll be important to make the most contact possible (including the corners).
I'll propbably try 13oot's method.

[recons]

http://arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

[GermaniumGenie]

Boost, would your method actually work well? I thought you want the thinnest possible layer. Your method is actually like putting two layers on top of each other so it is thicker. Nonetheless, I haven't tried it so please tell us if this produces lower temps for you compared to the manufacturer's method.

[GermaniumGenie]

http://forums.vr-zone.com.sg/showthread.php?t=24072

this guy actually tested...I should have googled in the first place!

[Evildead666]

I use an old credit card to evenly spread it out all over the Heatsink.
I dont like trying to get an even layer on the CPU, cos its so small.
I spread a 2cm by 2cm square of very thin AS5 on the Heatsink, and that works just fine so far.

[MeltedDuron]

i think in some coolermaster "premium thermal compound"(lmao) kit's you get like a thin piece of vinyl with a square hole in the middle that you stick to the base of the hsf and then you put a blob in the corner of the hole, spread the tim with a credit card or razor, peel the vinyl off and end up with a perfect square of tim in the middle of the hsf.

[GermaniumGenie]

MeltedDuron, that's dumb because then oxygen gets trapped into the paste and degrades thermal transfer and performance

[dnottis]

If the heatspreader is concave though, or the base of the cooler is, I think the dot of rice method is prolly the best as this will flatten and fill evenly. I still like to spread it but others have different results.

Dean

[unregistered]

The single dot is by far the best, this way you get the AS where it is needed, that is on top of the core rather than in the periphery. Keep in mind that the heatspreader is soldered onto the die and that 90% of the thermal dissipation occurs vertically across the different layers whereas there is hardly any horizontal spread of the heat.

The main issue with spreading the AS (or any other compound) is that there is an inherent risk of applying too much in the periphery and accidentally creating a gap or hole in the core area, likewise, any small lump or even some dust particles can cause problems with seating. Along these lines, the more you spread it, the larger is the surface that could potentially attract and absorb dust.

[Frisch]

To expand on what Peen says, the size should be about as big as a piece of uncooked rice.
Just put some on your finger and just spread it around with that, works fine too.

Combine these two, and it doesn't get better.
You shouldn't get worried that a small amount will stick to you finger, but it never leaves the chip this way.