Best way to apply Artctic MX 2 thermal paste on a I3?

[Milos_10]

title says it all ,whats the best way to apply MX2 on and I3 3220

 

[Chugalug_]

You don't 'spread' thermal paste, you put a small dot in the center of the chip and just plonk the cooler down on top of it slowly.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... With a clean dry finger.

 

[Chugalug_]

No, don't do that, whatever you do......
@Ironsounds, please at least google it before answering if you don't know how to apply it.

 

[Milos_10]

i think ironsounds didnt mean it for serious.so dot metod is the best.did you own MX2 or you are saying it just because?

 

[Chugalug_]

All thermal paste is the same when it comes down to it, there are no individual methods for each, just consistency variations.
I work in a PC store, I do this stuff almost daily, trust me, or ask anyone else.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... I'm serious... I have been applying thermal paste that way for many many years to all kinds of Devices. B /

I've worked for Global world class companies B /

 

[Chugalug_]

I'm seriously concerned now, that's a sure fire way to get thermal paste on the outside of the socket, potentially on the pins, as well as having the potential to damage the mobo socket through force.
Not to mention it's not exactly hygenic! 😛

 

[Milos_10]

just one more question ,is MX 2 conductive ,i mean can it fry my pc if it gets out of the cpu heatsink?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Would you like a explanation from me? it could get long and dragged out technically B )

I have been in Engineering, testing, and maintenance with these companies, and basically with "Thermal Paste less is better" between a Semi-conductor device and heatsink, And the Finger method will give a more precise application than the "small dot in the center of the chip and just plonk the cooler down on top of it slowly" method... you can safely apply the Thermal paste to the device before inserting it into the socket too B /

 

[Milos_10]

pls stop arguing and tell me if MX 2 can fry cpu if it spills over CPU heatsink?

 

[Chugalug_]

Potentially if it gets in the socket and clogs it, but given you're only meant to put a small pea sized dot in, this won't happen.

 

[Milos_10]

ok thanks.cool pic btw.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... There is conductive and Non-conductive thermal pastes... Your model is Non-Conductive, so electrical shorting will not be problem here. B /

 

[Milos_10]

Thanks Ironsounds!

 

[Chugalug_]

Still poses a potential risk if it gets on the pins though, can easily stuff the socket as mentioned, as long as you don't lather in on like oil on a souvlaki you'll be fine.

 

[Milos_10]

my first time applying so im paranoid.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... You'll be fine... take your time and use common sense... have a tissue handy if you run into a excess or applicator flow problem... Test the Flow rate of the Applicator first on something disposable... Just like putting the right amount of tooth paste on a tooth brush... you learn with time and experience. B D