How much thermal paste should you put on the processor?

xf1fty1ne · 08-25-2007, 01:27 AM

I'm building a new machine for myself and i was wondering 2 things.

1. How much thermal compound should you put on the processor?
2. Is it ok to use copper paste on an aluminum heat sink?

Thanks. Kyle

pctech101 · 09-18-2007, 10:54 PM

Thermal paste is only used to transfer heat more efficiently between the two surfaces. You ask "how much". Make sure your heatsink does not already contain paste on the bottom. If no paste is present then determine the size of the processor. You will want to apply a very thin layer. You do not want to apply to much because when you bolt on the heatsink it will squish out the sides. I would say about 1/2 the size of a tic tac and smooth it out. if it seems to be too much then wipe some of it off.

Copper paste is conductive so be careful not to put too much on. It could short circuit if it was in the wrong place. Yes you can use copper paste on aluminum .... it doesn't matter.

08-25-2007, 01:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
xf1fty1ne Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7	How much thermal paste should you put on the processor? I'm building a new machine for myself and i was wondering 2 things. 1. How much thermal compound should you put on the processor? 2. Is it ok to use copper paste on an aluminum heat sink? Thanks. Kyle

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

09-18-2007, 10:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
pctech101 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3	Thermal paste is only used to transfer heat more efficiently between the two surfaces. You ask "how much". Make sure your heatsink does not already contain paste on the bottom. If no paste is present then determine the size of the processor. You will want to apply a very thin layer. You do not want to apply to much because when you bolt on the heatsink it will squish out the sides. I would say about 1/2 the size of a tic tac and smooth it out. if it seems to be too much then wipe some of it off. Copper paste is conductive so be careful not to put too much on. It could short circuit if it was in the wrong place. Yes you can use copper paste on aluminum .... it doesn't matter.