Thermal paste - Too much?

[martin-w 3,235]

This was done a few months ago but still very amusing.

 

 

[martin-w 3,235]

Basically it almost never matters LOL! Spread, small blob, big blob... same temp. 😀

 

Only time it really matters is with multi die CPU's, then the spread method is probably best to make sure all die's are covered. 

[19dcavscout 39]

Gamers Nexus is a very good source for the info too.

[martin-w 3,235]

I find it hilarious, that so many of us (including me) extolled the virtues of our favourite TIM application method, defending them to the hilt. 

I am a fan of the blob method, seems logical to me to avoid air bubbles. And what do we see when the spread method is compared to  5mm blob... no difference. 

There's  no substitute for data and testing. Like I've said before, always test conventional wisdom, cus it ain't always wise. 

Edited December 14, 2018 by martin-w

[stans 702]

In all of my builds I have obsessed over getting just the right amount and perfect coverage of thermal paste on my CPU cooler, now real tests show there is little to no difference in technique.  There may be an ultimate answer to blob vs. spread and that would be the thermal pad.  One year ago, thermal pads were for GPU's only.  Today, there are thermal pads for CPU's.  Perhaps in the near future, thermal paste will be history.

[Dougal 165]

I've also 'obsessed' over the years about this, always being totally convinced that I either over did it, or under did it. Its one of those things where, even touched with the lightest amount of OCD, becomes a total nightmare lol

I remember once, re seating the cooler FOUR times before realising this could be a never ending loop lol

[martin-w 3,235]

3 hours ago, Dougal said:

I've also 'obsessed' over the years about this, always being totally convinced that I either over did it, or under did it. Its one of those things where, even touched with the lightest amount of OCD, becomes a total nightmare lol

I remember once, re seating the cooler FOUR times before realising this could be a never ending loop lol

 

Well I know you just mean a bit fussy, but I certainly know all about OCD Dougal, as I think I mentioned to you once. The real thing. Even typing this I have to hold it back. Awful condition. 

[martin-w 3,235]

3 hours ago, stans said:

 Today, there are thermal pads for CPU's.  Perhaps in the near future, thermal paste will be history.

 

The IC Graphite Pad seems to work great, and I think in time it could be even better. Someone here tried it and said it's pretty close to paste re cooling.