Best Way To Apply Thermal Paste - Does It Matter?

Today we're talking about Thermal Paste, does it really matter how to apply it? Let's test it! Here's 6 methods of thermal paste application and also my thoughts on the important parts of applying it.

[YounusRizwan]

I paid for the whole tube and I am gonna use the whole tube

[threadripper]

Buttered toast beats them all. No need to pull the cooler to analyze the distribution - it was already fully distributed.

[X-FAKTOR]

I always use the X variant with four small dots around the empty spaces of the X. Only on video cards I use a spatula to spread over the entire surface. For coolers with a central circle, I only put a little more in the center.

[MortalActual]

Fun fact: You can literally cake the socket in thermal paste and it will most likely still boot and run fine. It's nonconductive, so it wont short anything out.

[crockpot]

I always go over the top with the thermal paste and nothing bad really happens. just make sure not to get it on the socket and you'll be fine.

[PilotDamian]

Honestly, opinions don’t matter, what matters is facts. And a fact is X method or spreading the paste onto the cpu gives the best cooling. It has been tested. Go research it.
Trust but verify.

[Isekaiin]

Looks like X variant is the best choice because it's easy to image on how much of thermal paste will be put in there to fill out all CPU and the possibility of it not leaking out of the CPU sides

[chrispana]

buttered toast is how I fly and it's always been the most consistent coverage, been the go to for over 20 years

[RitlalYaso-bh]

When I purchased the M12 thermally conductive silicone, the seller told me that just a thin layer would be enough, and that applying it too thickly would increase the thermal resistance, so I still didn't need too much

[TheEnderCyclops]

I am always an advocate for the pre applied method where possible

[CelticX]

I appreciate the inclusion of how these methods spread out once pressure is applied

[TE_]

i put some thermal paste on the cpu and then use the spreader to spread the paste equally

[machoman]

For Cooper pipe heatsinks you to add the compound directly on each pipe (line method) every other heatsink type just use the pea method

[brewergamer]

I've always just done the "pea-dot" method and it's never done me wrong

[joefries]

I have been building pcs for 15 years and have always washed my hands very thoroughly, put some paste on a finger and just spread it evenly and thin on the whole cpu with my finger. Always works good, no extra squeezing out the side, if so not much, i know its covering the entire HS and i don't gotta worry about the corners of the HS not getting covered from the pea or rice method and don't gotta worry about all the access flowing over the side and potentially getting in the socket like ive seen a few times. My 5950x with the giant cooler i have is doing great with that method aswell. And no the oils on my finger aren't gonna do jack especially after i wash with the soap i have. Method has never let me down

[Neoprenesiren]

Use a tiny spatula and you know for sure it’s spread, more important with thicker pastes.

[swahkennison]

cross or x pattern with a few dots around it. Just tap the thermal syringe on it while putting the smallest amount of pressure possible. Will always get you full coverage on either Intel Core or AMD Ryzen. May need a different method for threadripper/EPYC or intel HEDT CPU's like Xeons etc.

[rileyyyyh]

my dad used a squiggly line in the 90s, the “frosting method”

[Duffinsnurtz]

Thermalrite makes CPU brackets that let you use as much thermal paste as you want.

[ShootingtheSoil]

X works great, but big dot in middle then just tiny dabs in the corners is 100% every time for me.