How much Thermal Compound?

[Mortis]

Greetings... Ever meet a person who has to get that last twist in with a nut and bolt to only wind up stripping the nut/screw. How about the guy who has to use an over-abundance of adhesive when glueing together two items and then once dry, has to go back with a razor blade to trim off the edges/excess. Or finally, the type who had to tighten the light bulb so tight out of concern that a snug connection would be safer, only later when he tries to remove the bulb- he ends up cutting his hand when the bulb shatters beneath the pressure he has to apply to get it out.

YEP- all these persons are me! Neurotic? Yes, and I know it. I always have to get that little extra in just to be sure. Afterward, when I have created more problems as a result, I spend the whole time repairing what I broke cussing myself and Nuerosis. But hey... atleast I know it and am aware of it. It takes me a lot of effort and awareness to back off with these type of mechanical situations. To make it worse- if I dont get that little extra in, I will go back to whatever it is often to shake and rattle it just to be sure it is tight. LOL. Anyways, now that you know my history- on to the question...

I am putting a heatsink/fan on a cpu and dont want to screw this puppy up... hehe. I need to know precisely how much Thermal Paste to apply... LOL, I mean exactly. One bead down the middle, a circle bead, a square, should I evenly spread it out, how thick should the layer be..... ??? I think you get my drift. Thanks for the heads up here.

Mortis

I can hear the whispers and thoughts now- he's psychotic, neurotic and needs thorazine... LOL- J/J (not paranoid )
Yea, I know- there is medication for what I described and no mental illness does not run in my family- though they swear I will be the first... (family swears that, hehe). I have the curse of being a perfectionist and TOO thorough- no, I am not a control freak on top of it... atleast I dont think so... STOP IT! STOP IT! All of you stop whispering about me! Dirty Dishes... I have to clean my dirty dishes.... hehe.

[eweruk]

hehe, good read! Well I suggest a very thin, even layer of thermal compound. I use a razor to spread the compound which in itself makes for a thin layer. I have heard of people using plastic wrap to spread the goop as well. It is just to fill the surface pits and help transfer heat to the HS.

[thekingofpain]

Not sure whether you need assistance or not?
Just in case: http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_s...structions.htm

[Mortis]

Thanks Guys!