thermal paste question

Can i put paste on the heat sink instead of the cpu?

 

It would be much easier to apply the paste to the CPU rather than the heatsink, as applying it to the heatsink may lead to incorrect spreading.

 

Sure, as long as both are cleaned first and you use the right amount.

 

just this is the first time puting paste on. Can i put some paste on the cpu and then rub it with a plastic bag?

 

Put a small amount of paste about the size of a pea on the CPU don't rub it on just put the heatsink on top and fasten it down. Remember to clean both CPU and heatsink first

 

Make sure you clean it with %90 isopropyl alcohol using a lintless cloth or a microfibre one first. Has to be as shiny as you can get both to be. Then just put down a bead about the size of a grain of rice and use a credit card or equivalent to spread it around. Others just say to twist the HSF a bit onto the CPU and let the heat do the rest of the work. I do the former with a card.

EDIT: I see we are all on the same page.

 

oh i got a new cpu cooler and in the instructions it says to put a small dab in the center and twist the heatsink back and fourth a few times to spread the paste. Would this work? I think the bag idea is a bad idea beacuase of static. I feel stupid.

 

Yup, that's fine man, just heed the cleanliness part. Am I sounding like a busted record?:-D Sorry pclover as that's the key.

 

yeah i just used a paper towel to try and clean it. It looks clean to me but it may not be cleaned enough.

 

Nope, paper towels leave a residue. Perhaps you have a linen napkin you could borrow for a bit? :innocent

 

So your saying a napkin would be better to clean it? I don't have any %90 isopropyl alcohol around here.

 

Any Jack Daniels? Wouldn't take much. And I use coffee filters with some success.