There a million different pages around the Internet with conflicting information on how much thermal paste to apply and how to spread it. Some say a half-bean-sized drop in the middle, others say a circle or rectangle on the CPU. Some tell you to let the heatsink's base spread it, while others say to spread it with a knife or your finger with a plastic bag on it. Some coolers even come it with applied fully on the base, like Corsair H50 and all Arctic Cooling products.
What is the best way to apply and spread thermal paste, and how much of it?
Best Answer
You should use the absolute minimum - just enough to ensure that any micro-pits in the heatsink and CPU top are filled. I spread it like (very thin) butter using the end of a plastic ruler and then give the heatsink a gentle slide a few mm in every direction once it is in place and before I clamp it down.
Protip 1: Avoid using toothpaste!
Protip 2: Regardless of how careful you are, the damn stuff gets everywhere and is not water soluble so don't wear your favourite top or trousers/pants when using the stuff and don't do the work on that valuable, antique black lace table covering.