what happens when you apply thermal paste somewhat liberally on the cpu? -artic silver 5 on a 3500+ venice

 

well nothing will happen but i would wipe it up. Your supposed to put it on the middle of the processor.
Even if its on there once you place the heatsink on it and press it down it spreads it out. I would just wipe off some of the excess.

 

I usually put a glob in the middle and take a business card and spread it around the top of the processor to get a nice even coat that's not very thick and I've never had a problem. I believe if you use way to much, you won't get solid contact between the heat spreader and the heat sink and it could be less effective and if it leaks out the side, it could potentially short somethign out.

 

You don't need much at all. If "somewhat liberally" means you used the whole tube, you should start over.

 

^^ :lmao:

Yes, common misconception is the more you put, the better the heat transfer.

 

correct, about half the size of a rice grain in the middle, then place the heatsink on top of it, press down, DO NOT SWIRVLE OR ROTATE. Then tighten the screw. FYI, I'd suggest lapping the heatsink before putting it on.

 

The goop is meant to fill in the gaps between metal on metal contact.... the microscopic gaps. Not provide a layer of goo between the metal.

The best heat transfer is metal to metal. Goop is to assist in the microscopic areas where the metal doesn't directly touch metal.

I put on barely a full coating, working it onto the surface from at least 4 directions with a small bit of card board or credit card type material.

 

metal to metal contact is best
the grease is there to fill the small nooks and crannies

if you put too much it will be squeezed out over the side and i dont know if that will damage anything

 

excess thermal paste can attract a lot of dust among other things in a very dirty environment.

 

Some have metallic content which may conduct electricity.