Thread: Best way to apply thermal paste on i7 processor

I’m building my new computer as we speak , i need to know i have a thermal right extreme heat sink and a Intel i7 920 processor is it the pea sized dot of thermal paste on top of cpu that i should do ? or some other method ?

Put a pea sized drop on top of CPU and put the HSF on it. My preferred method is to apply a very thin layer using your finger covered in cling wrap.

Ok did what ya said, and booted the pc up went into bios and bios temps are showing cpu temp at 41-42c, isent that hot? What should i do or disregard it.

Push pin coolers can be tricky to install. A bad installation can lead to higher temperatures, and even CPU throttling. With the pc powered down, gently rock the cooler to see if it is on solid, or if it wobbles a bit. Push pin coolers are best installed while the motherboard is outside of the case. You need to be able to look at the back of the board to verify that all 4 pins are completely through and locked.

Play with the pins on the cooler first, so you can see exactly how they work.
Read the instructions that came with your retail cpu. When pushing down on the pins, do a diagonal pair first. If you don't, it is hard to get the last pin in. Don't forget to clean the parts and reapply fresh thermal compound every time. Don't try to reuse the TIM. Rubbing alcohol is OK as a cleaner.

I use a paper coffee filter to clean with because it is lint free. Any name brand TIM should be OK(as-5, Mx-2, etc.) When applying the TIM, don't use too much, because it can act as an insulator. Don't apply too little, either, because it won't spread and fill the microscopic imperfections in the surfaces. A dollop about the size of a grain of rice should be about right.