Thermal Paste application tips?

[DarklordKyo]

I'm seeing if I can save up for some new parts for my computer, and I've heard differing opinions on how to apply the thermal paste that goes between the CPU & cooler.

Some say that the fan itself will do a good enough job spreading it, others say to spread it manually (while wearing protective plastic of course) in order to maximize coverage and effectiveness.

What do you doods think?

 

[The Madman]

It really, really doesn't matter as long as you don't put too much or too little. That's it. Seriously.

Here's some guy testing all the different methods if you don't believe me:

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

Put a pea sized drop of it on the CPU then press down the heatsink and screw it on. It'll spread on its own. Make sure to clean up any amount that spills over the side (if done right none should spill over).

NEVER spread it first. You won't spread it evenly and it'll create little air pockets which will impede how well the thermal paste works.

 

[Remus]

Probably doesn't matter. The computers I've built have lasted 5-8 years each, only ever being retired after they begin to show their age or there's a major hardware failure. I spread paste evenly using a plastic bag over my finger and average idle temps between 29 and 37c on my current rig. 6 cores so temps vary on use.

 

[Yuuki]

I spread paste evenly using a plastic bag over my finger

Please don't do this, or any method that involves manually spreading it out.

The pea method mentioned by Dirty Hipsters above is by far the simplest and most effective way to apply thermal paste.

 

[Hazy992]

+1 for pea method, the thermal paste will spread out evenly on its own once you put the heatsink on.