Application method of thermal compound.

[Hobby Gamer]

Does the application method of thermal compound still matter?

I was looking for instructions for Ryzen at the Arctic website : http://www.arcticsilver.com/instructions.htm
To see what I'm rambling on about. Click on any of the 3 thermal compounds, and then on Intel or AMD and look at the column at the right.
BTW, there are no instructions for Ryzen yet.
( Pic of Ryzen die : https://www.google.com/search?q=Ryz...ICCgB&biw=2560&bih=1374#imgrc=xgC6uTwu9JC1BM: )

 

[Thelosouvlakia]

Hey there, if you have a ryzen cpu then you are better off using the line method

[altough I don't think it matters that much, if the heatsink pushes on it the compound is going to spread out on it's own eventually]

 

[Shingara]

Can apply it with your finger if you want aslong as it does a good covering of the cpu. And yup im all tensed up ready for the but you need a pea, a line, a credit card smear, come at me

 

[Bartacus]

I'm a spreader too. But I use cling wrap on my finger just in case, or an old credit card. I've always done it that way, never had an issue.

 

[Hobby Gamer]

Looking at the die, I was also thinking of the line in the middle application. But I do see the advantage of spreading.

I can't even remember anymore which method I used on my 6850K. I think it was a pea and than rotate the cooler left+right once before fastening.

Haven't got a Ryzen yet.

[off-topic]
I ordered the case for my new build earlier today (Anidees AI Crystal Cube) straight from Anidees. It's not in shops yet where I live.
Still undecided about Ryzen or (a low end) Naples for more PCI-e lanes to the CPU (not for gaming, no SLI, and no Crossfire, just more graphics cards. Three at the moment. Preferably four.).
[/off-topic]

 

[RobM]

it makes little to no difference how its applied other than to little is bad

 

[Wraith]

I'm a spreader too. But I use cling wrap on my finger just in case, or an old credit card. I've always done it that way, never had an issue.

Ditto! I favour this method also. I've tried multiple methods but using the clingfilm (seran wrap) always gets the job done perfectly and most even across the die.

 

[NeverBackDown]

I just use the pea method. Whenever I have had to remove the cooler the CPU is always fully covered with nothing falling over. Never had an issue.

 

[Hobby Gamer]

I'm going to (w)rap with my next build.

 

[AlienALX]

I just use my finger, then clean finger. But yeah, oi been muck spreadin' for yeeeers oi 'ave.

Never had any issues.

 

[Davva2004]

I use the X method, check this video out comparing the methods.

https://youtu.be/qc7bCC1TmVg

 

[Hobby Gamer]

I use the X method, check this video out comparing the methods.

https://youtu.be/qc7bCC1TmVg

Cool video man. That liquid metal at the end is the coolest of the bunch. (I could become The Silver Surfer with that.)

 

[Bartacus]

That liquid metal spreads surprisingly well with only a small amount. It's definitely a bit trickier to "paint" the IHS with the brush that comes with it, but it's awesome stuff.

 

[Hobby Gamer]

That liquid metal spreads surprisingly well with only a small amount. It's definitely a bit trickier to "paint" the IHS with the brush that comes with it, but it's awesome stuff.

I found Liquid Ultra, Liquid Pro (and others) from Coollaboratory, through the "old" reviews over at Benchmarkreviews. But I also read that liquid metal as a TIM can cause corrosion when applied to surfaces it was not designed for.

 

[Wraith]

I found Liquid Ultra, Liquid Pro (and others) from Coollaboratory, through the "old" reviews over at Benchmarkreviews. But I also read that liquid metal as a TIM can cause corrosion when applied to surfaces it was not designed for.

Aye you can't use it on Aluminium it's only suitable for Copper or Nickle plated coolers.

 

[Hobby Gamer]

Aye you can't use it on Aluminium it's only suitable for Copper or Nickle plated coolers.

So it's true.
I also bumped into Liquid Copper TIM at Coollaboratory. In the description it said something like suitable for all surfaces. I'm definitely going to look up the performance in reviews with newer CPUs (if there are any newer reviews).