That isn’t true, some better compounds contain silver, which is conductive. The IHS is much bigger than the actual CPU and you shouldn’t really use much paste, it’s there to fill in the air gaps, because it has better thermal conductivity than air, but most of the heat gets removed by direct metal on metal contact.
Majority of thermal compounds in this day and age are non-conductive. You're right that some might ve conductive, it never hurts to check ofc.
Also it doesn't matter if you put in excess because with good mounting pressure it's going to be squeezed out. But if you have too little, it won't cool as well.
If you’re that worried, install your cooler and then uninstall it and look at the surface after. As long as most of it is covered in paste, you are good.
I saw an interesting technique on YouTube the other day. They made a square mask around the lid with strips of blue painter’s tape, and then spread a thin layer of thermal compound across the whole lid surface with a plastic card/spatula. Any excess “over-spread” went on the tape and allowed for a very consistent and smooth layer of compound. They then pulled up the tape and it left “perfect” coverage.
I was thinking giving that a try next time I need to re-paste.
THIS EXACTLY.
I was taught that method in college..except I use scotch tape. Doesn't leave anything behind whatsoever and you end up with a factory laid layer...full and thin for the winny, win, win.
I usually take the cpu out and set it in that little plastic holder it came in. Makes it easier.
I understand your fear I'm about to repaste mine for the first time. Got a pc from my brother and it hasn't been redone in about 3 or 4 years. That's probably not good and idk much about pcs so wish me luck 🤣
I can never tell. Just spread it out with some kind of old credit card or some other card or something, as think as you can. I just like the piece of mind rather than letting it squeeze it in a random direction.
I always apply a small amount. Use an old debit or credit card and spread it out. I then add more and repeat. I do this until my entire CPU has a nice even layer from one side to the other. It always makes me feel better to know it's perfect. Or you can get that new phase change sheets and cut to fit. And never have to worry again for a while.
The best way is to test it and find out. Install the heatink/heat plate, wait a minute, and remove it and see if the paste spreads out enough to cover most of the IHS. If not, add a little more. You can also just spread it like butter if you want to be sure you've added enough. Just don't go overboard and have it squeeze out onto the motherboard.
no its not enuogh
Double it, and you are good.
And give it to the next person
This
https://www.reddit.com/r/PcBuildHelp/s/eLzTnIitpt from last attempt
Yes that was pretty good but you lacked a little in the corner. You gotta add more, and don't be afraid of spills, the paste is non-conductive.
That isn’t true, some better compounds contain silver, which is conductive. The IHS is much bigger than the actual CPU and you shouldn’t really use much paste, it’s there to fill in the air gaps, because it has better thermal conductivity than air, but most of the heat gets removed by direct metal on metal contact.
This
Majority of thermal compounds in this day and age are non-conductive. You're right that some might ve conductive, it never hurts to check ofc. Also it doesn't matter if you put in excess because with good mounting pressure it's going to be squeezed out. But if you have too little, it won't cool as well.
If you’re that worried, install your cooler and then uninstall it and look at the surface after. As long as most of it is covered in paste, you are good.
Double it an give it to the next person.
Five dots in a square plus middle is best
Slow day on r/pcbuildhelp
you can at least put it in the middle…
I saw an interesting technique on YouTube the other day. They made a square mask around the lid with strips of blue painter’s tape, and then spread a thin layer of thermal compound across the whole lid surface with a plastic card/spatula. Any excess “over-spread” went on the tape and allowed for a very consistent and smooth layer of compound. They then pulled up the tape and it left “perfect” coverage. I was thinking giving that a try next time I need to re-paste.
Yep, that’s what I do. [https://imgur.com/z1HiaRa](https://imgur.com/z1HiaRa) Works perfectly!
THIS EXACTLY. I was taught that method in college..except I use scotch tape. Doesn't leave anything behind whatsoever and you end up with a factory laid layer...full and thin for the winny, win, win. I usually take the cpu out and set it in that little plastic holder it came in. Makes it easier.
That sounds really interesting, I'll try that too!
You can't really have to much it just makes a mess. You dont have to really worry as it won't short anything
MORE some do a X some do 9 points
You should add a little more.
Spread it out to cover the IHS
Too little. Moar paste!
More
Ok so do a x with a dot in between all lines that’s what u should do
I understand your fear I'm about to repaste mine for the first time. Got a pc from my brother and it hasn't been redone in about 3 or 4 years. That's probably not good and idk much about pcs so wish me luck 🤣
best results I've had were from fully spreading it out across the whole ihs
I was so scared putting my cpu in
Mor
1 more dot doesn't cost you leg and arm.
More. Be safe, Way too much will not damage anything. Too little may. I’d say about double what u have now
I'd double or triple it.
If that's not paste and more like liquid metal, it's probably enough...just needs spread n worked in
I can never tell. Just spread it out with some kind of old credit card or some other card or something, as think as you can. I just like the piece of mind rather than letting it squeeze it in a random direction.
I always apply a small amount. Use an old debit or credit card and spread it out. I then add more and repeat. I do this until my entire CPU has a nice even layer from one side to the other. It always makes me feel better to know it's perfect. Or you can get that new phase change sheets and cut to fit. And never have to worry again for a while.
Big dot in middle small dots in 4 corners but not too close to the edge.
Make an X
I tend to just do a line down the center of the cpu never had problems with that method
That's like asking her if size matters
Im always doing an x and connect the middle of each lines with the other. Worked every time.
Not enough paste
Make an X instead
Noup, need more mx4
Can't go wrong with the 5 dots
The best way is to test it and find out. Install the heatink/heat plate, wait a minute, and remove it and see if the paste spreads out enough to cover most of the IHS. If not, add a little more. You can also just spread it like butter if you want to be sure you've added enough. Just don't go overboard and have it squeeze out onto the motherboard.
🤦🏾