How much thermal paste should I apply to a new CPU?

A small "drop" of thermal paste about the size of a BB-bullet is the right size. You never "smear" or "spread" the paste around, you leave it in the centre and when you install the heatsink you let the pressure from the heatsink spread the paste where it needs to go. This way you will ensure the best possible spread to where it is needed most.

Then, make sure the heatsink is SHINY and CLEAN before installing it onto the CPU. Clean it with some rubbing alcohol or a little bit of acetone (be careful of acetone, it's quite flammable and isn't recommended to get onto the skin undiluted). Use a soft microfibre cloth or very soft tissue paper to dry off the cooler's contact patch and make sure that there are no dents/scratches/impurities stuck to the surface.

Also, remember to let the paste run through it's "burn-in" period. This takes about a week of normal PC use or about three days of hard use to accomplish. What this ensures is that the paste has gone where it needed to, and it now where it must be after heating/cooling of the CPU over different times and circumstances. Only then will you get the most accurate temperature readings, and only then will your cooler perform at it's best.

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RE:

How much thermal paste should I apply to a new CPU?

I am rebuilding an old PC and am installing a new CPU. How much thermal paste do I need to apply?

Like the other posters have stated, you want a thin layer.

Ideally, you want just enough to cover the chip, but that is only to conserve paste and prevent a mess. You could actually put a large amount on there, and the heatsink will simply squeeze it down to a thin layer anyhow, causing the rest of the paste to squeeze out the sides and making a mess. Also, this would create potential issues if you are using a metal-based thermal compound such as arctic silver.

Remember, it is only a transfer medium. Using more paste will not help it cool better.

Well first off you need this...http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8... Follow the instructions to clean the heat sink and CPU...use a paper coffee filter, they leave no residue and are sterile. The you need the paste... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N8...

This is about the best and you need VERY little. I use the "credit card method" (as in a spatula)..that is, put small drop of thermal paste on the CPU and use the piece of credit card to smooth a very thin layer over the complete top of the CPU. You can use the coffee filter to spread a very thin layer of paste on the base of the heat sink. you just want enough to fill in the scratches in the heat sink. then carefully place the heat sink down on the CPU..one edge first and then down completely ..you don't want to cause an air pocket by putting the heat sink square down on the CPU. now with a slight back and forth twisting motion press the heat sink down (not to heavy a pressure...you don't want to crack the board) then lock the heat sink in place. I probably spend more time putting on the paste and heat sink that any other part of the assembly! Getting it "right" does make a difference...lower temps than expected..get it wrong and you could have a disaster!...or at least higher temps than others get with the same rig!

Not much you need to be very careful. One small drop that would cover in the thinnest layer possible.

Arctic Silver 5 is the best that I know of. Use it on the Processor, Graphics Processing Unit, Cooling Sink.

I use a small drop that I put in the middle and then wrap my finger with plastic wrap and smooth it out.

Computer CPU and Accessories

Tiny amount, enough for the thinnest of smears

About the size of a grain of rice.

Not very much, a think line should do.