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Best Thermal Paste Application Methods

@ 2008/04/21

If there's one thing our recent 33-way TIM comparison article has taught us, it's how the advice handed-out for free in discussion forums can often times be completely wrong. After we wrote that popular article, many enthusiasts argued that our method of spreading a thin layer of TIM with a latex glove (or finger cover) was not the best way to distribute the interface material. Most answers collected from both the hardware websites and enthusiast community claimed that you should use a single drop "about the size of a pea". Well, we tried that advice, and it turns out that maybe the community isn't as keen as they thought. The example image below is of a few frozen peas beside a small BB size drop of OCZ Freeze TIM. The image beside it is of the same socket-478 cooler two hours later after we completed testing.

Comment from jmke @ 2008/04/22

if you could increase pressure on the TEC more it will spread out better

Comment from geoffrey @ 2008/04/22

For TEC's the middle droplet doesn't work that well, it's hard to spread out to TIM over the whole TEC that way. Instead, take your finger and spread it out yourself, then mount the heatsink/WB.

Comment from jmke @ 2008/04/22

some people want to do other things in their lives, beside test thermal paste for weeks on end

in the end the difference is marginal, and doesn't matter much, if your system stability depends on what thermal paste is used and how it's applied, you have an issue

Comment from Rutar @ 2008/04/22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Das Capitolin

If you're waiting for that magic method, than you'll be sorely disappointed. The term "best" in relation to thermal paste application is like saying there's a best way to fly a kite. Your ultimate goal is to get maximum metal to metal contact, with as little TIM in-between as possible. Since every CPU and cooler have vastly different finishes to them, there just won't be a "one way is best".

test every method with every CPU cooler type then

Comment from Das Capitolin @ 2008/04/22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rutar

I hoped this was going to be the second coming of christ with temp readings and everything including the 2 line Quadcore method. I'm so disapointed.

Comment from Rutar @ 2008/04/22

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffrey

Rutar was referring to this one too: http://www.madshrimps.be/vbulletin/f...ks-well-43471/

I think there were 3 articles already that just didn't compared which one performs best.

Comment from geoffrey @ 2008/04/21

Rutar was referring to this one too: http://www.madshrimps.be/vbulletin/f...ks-well-43471/

Comment from Das Capitolin @ 2008/04/21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rutar

I get dissapointed again

Why is that? Please let me know how I can improve future articles.

Comment from Rutar @ 2008/04/21

I am now teased =0

Comment from Sidney @ 2008/04/21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rutar

I get dissapointed again

It will make tomorrow better.

Comment from jmke @ 2008/04/21

one day

Comment from Rutar @ 2008/04/21

I get dissapointed again

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