New at building computer, thermal paste question

[OmegaZer0180]

So about this thermal paste, do I really need it even though I'm not planning on overclocking? My friend says that it makes the contact area conduct heat better so it performs better. I was wondering if I do use it, how exactly do I apply it? And after I apply it, how long would it take for it to set?

Thanks in advance

 

[Impulse666]

just put a pea sized amount or less on the processor and smooth it out with a credit card or similar. then put your heatsink on. the concept of thermal paste is to even out the imperfections between the two surfaces where it is needed. you want a very thin layer.

for the burn in process i cannot guarantee but idle the pc for a while, then cool to room temperature. then stress the processor using everest or other stress utility. monitor the temperature with everest or speedfan, and let cool to room temp after a couple hours. then repeat a couple times a day and you'll be set. after burn in you should only notice a 5-7*C difference in temp so dont expect much, but if someone else would like to correct me on the process please do.

 

[OmegaZer0180]

So i have to put it on multiple times? I thought I just had to put it on once and let it set?

 

[ThatGuy16]

Yes you must have thermal paste, You should apply it evenly over the cpu (it doesnt have to look perfect) You dont want too thin of a layer. You realy cant apply too much because after you place the heatsink down on top of the cpu the paste will even out and if too mcuh it will seep from around the edges which would be fine. If you use the heatsink that comes with the cpu it will have it pre applied on the bottom of the heatsink and you wont even have to fool with it, if you buy aftermarket they either come preapplied or with a tube, unless you want to go with the Arctic silver 5 paste.
But yes you must have paste.

Edit: just apply once, and nothing else to worry about and your all set

 

[oscaryu1]

So i have to put it on multiple times? I thought I just had to put it on once and let it set?

Replace every 6months. During the first times of using the thermal paste temps may rise. after 200 hours of computer use the thermal paste iwll break down and allow better heat transfer. Rice sized. I would go with Arctic Silver 5 High Density thermal compound as the above post said. Remember to take the thermal pad on the HSF if you decide to buy AS5.