Thermal Compound

[XtraNtnse]

I'm upgrading my processor (which I should be receiving in mail shortly) and I also bought a new compatible heatsink I know how to install it and everything but wasn't to sure about the thermal compound which it came with. I know what it does, and what's it's for, I just need to know how I apply it since it didn't come with any directions whatsoever...do I smear it on top of the processor (the whole area) or the whole area of the heatsink..or does it even matter? and do I use all of it? (came in a tiny syringe thing)

[Sephiroth]

The directions should be in the manual to your motherboard or processor.

No you dont use all of it.

This link also provides more detailed instructions and pictures too.

http://www.motherboards.org/articlesd/how-to-guides/924_4.html

[CompuGeek]

I'm upgrading my processor (which I should be receiving in mail shortly) and I also bought a new compatible heatsink I know how to install it and everything but wasn't to sure about the thermal compound which it came with. I know what it does, and what's it's for, I just need to know how I apply it since it didn't come with any directions whatsoever...do I smear it on top of the processor (the whole area) or the whole area of the heatsink..or does it even matter? and do I use all of it? (came in a tiny syringe thing)

BE VERY CAREFUL!

Now that the disclaimer is taken care of:

[Read the link Seph gave for detailed instructions with pics]

1. You only use a tiny bit of thermal compound.

2. Only put it on the little rectangular core in the middle of your proc.

3. Don't get it on you skin (I hear it's bad for you).

4. Spread it out in a THIN layer (just on the little core in the middle of your processor.) I usually use a toothpick to do this.

5. Make sure your heatsink is right-side up. (you can probably find pictures in the instructions for either your motherboard, processor, or heatsink)

6. Do not put your heatsink on crooked or off-center or you might crack your processor.

[Malakai1911]

If it came with the heatsink, its prolly garbage.

Do you and your processor a favor and buy some Arctic Silver.

[shawners]

isnt thermal compound for welding the piece to the motherboard.. Like soltering(Not sure of spelling)

[MonkeyMadness]

Thermal transfer compound is the fancy new computer industry term for what the analog electronics guys (think power transistors and big amp IC's in your stereo) have been calling "heat sink grease" for years. Those little tubes that cost $15 are making someone a huge profit, I have a jar nearly as big as a vaseline jar, enough for probably 1000 processor installations... $9.95 from one of the parts suppliers for vcr / stereo repair... might have been MCM or Parts Express. Its the white silicone based kind, and that should be good enough for anything except the extreme OC nuts... Artic Silver does have an excellent heat transfer ability, better than standard white silicone based... the downside is that it is somewhat conductive due to having metallic particles in it (which is why it works so good), so if you do accidently smear a bit where you shouldn't, you might have an expensive problem...

[Rally99]

If you make a mess with the stuff denatured alcohol, or even rubbing alcohol will clean it up. Long as the CPU is cool you want to clean the thing off as well as the heatsink bottom you are using. You don't have to worry about getting the CPU wet, as the alcohol evaporates pretty quick as well you don't want to use more then a q-tip dipped in alcohol anyhow. Clean the parts off and give a blast of air duster to make sure they are dry. Reassemble with your new grease application and you are ready to go.

[g-smooth2k]

Thermal Compound
What it does? It dissipates heat
Do not just put the heatsink on without thermal.
The processor core has alot of heat coming from it.
I experimented with different kinds of thermal compound.
I tried these kinds of thermal protection:
Thermal Grease: .05degrees c/w- thermal resistance; White silicone compounds-material
Thermal Pads: .05degrees c/w- thermal resistance, Light Pink Color, Boron mitride(material), Filled polymer coated on aluminum substance, .2 mm thickness
Artic Silver: Made with 99% pure micronized silver
75% to 80% silver content by weight
Extended temperature limits: -60 C to 170 C
Thermal Conductivity: 8.2 W/m K
Thermal Resistance: 0.0022 C/W

And the silver compound worked best for me. I don't know about for you but, I like to use Artic Silver Thermal Compound.

[muffenme]

:fire

:hole

[Sephiroth]

He already has thermal grease which is fine, and a cooling solution. This thread is not about picking out parts or what you would use. Which its a new processor so there is noting on it that needs to be cleaned.

Its about installing a heatsink. So i dunno what half of the people who replied here so far think its about.

[muffenme]

:fire

True, sorry.

:hole

[isus]

you should put it on the cpu CORE! this is the (probably) the biggest piece of shiny metal on the top of the cpu. personally, i put a SMALL amount on and scrape it around with a credit card until i am happy.
OPTIONAL:
put the heatsink on. wait 10 seconds for good measure. take the heatsink off. look at the bottom of the heatsink... where there is no thermal compound, apply a small dab to that part of the heatsink. put it back on.

the optional section helps cooling as it helps fill in spots where the seating of heatsink on cpu is not perfect.

[Killawat]

I use artic silver and it hasn't failed me yet.

[g-smooth2k]

A good Cooling Guide:
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=70679

Arctic Silver is good

[rctempire]

Advise from me i do these all the time put a small amount of the compound on ur finger and smeer it on the bit of ur processor which touches the heatsink. Remember it should be the bit in the middle and fit ur heatsink on and clip it in place then wiggle it about a bit so the compound is even remember the fan is still on the motherboard and its all done

[-0-BACKLASH-0-]

they recommend to apply it via a clear plastic bag. There are oils on your fingers which aren't good to apply to your cpu.

[g-smooth2k]

You will need to apply the the arctic silver on the core

[Malakai1911]

Advise from me i do these all the time put a small amount of the compound on ur finger and smeer it on the bit of ur processor which touches the heatsink. Remember it should be the bit in the middle and fit ur heatsink on and clip it in place then wiggle it about a bit so the compound is even remember the fan is still on the motherboard and its all done

My you are stupid.

Smear it on with a razor blade, works for me. Perfectly straight edge allows me to evenly coat it with a thin layer of the crap.

I put it on the heatsink the same way. (But I make it much, much thinner on the heatsink. Nearly non-existant).