Thermal paste question?

I am using some MX-4 thermal paste with the stock cooler on an i7 930. I think I applied it correctly but I am still idling at 60*. I know they say it doesn't have a burn-in time but even if it did should it be doing this from the start? Also, I would appreciate input on the best method to use as spreading it with a card was a major PitA. I know they say to only use a drop the size of a grain of white rice but that didn't spread all the way across the chip.

somewhere_near_omaha2010-10-16T10:51:55Z

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The key to applying paste is to use as little as possible to cover the entire surface of the processor. Don't apply any to the heat sink. I usually do it with a finger but it's hard to get off one's finger, so a scrap of a plastic bag over the finger works well. When you attach the heat sink just push it down and twist just a little for a good bond.

If you need to redo your current paste, I find acetone does a good job of removing the old stuff.

The i7 930 runs a little hot. I've heard about idle temps of 35-50.

brisray2010-10-16T10:37:20Z

You have to apply the paste thinly and evenly. The paste itself doesn't help much with cooling, that's what the cooler? is for. What the paste does is provide an interface to heat dissipate evenly from the chip without hotspots.

If you spread it too thick it actually decreases the maximum possible heat dissipation from the chip.

There's a nice "how to" at http://www.techpowerup.com/printarticle.php?id=134

colin2010-10-16T10:38:32Z

Apply a thin layer all over the processor .see that u spread the thermal paste evenly ....and see that the heat sink she fitted in the groove properly.

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Agent 472010-10-16T10:26:30Z

i prefer one should'nt reapply the paste by oneself unless u are a proffesional.
Take help of a proffesional