FIrst Build : Do i apply a thin layer of mx-2 on the processor heat spreader ?

[wolf2009]

I got a q9450 with a zerotherm nirvana 120mm . should i put the mx-2 paste on the heat spreader and spread it thinly with a credit card ? or the AS5 line method ?

also any help regarding putting zerotherm heatsink on will be appreciated .

[sneekypeet]

Put a drop in the center...spread with finger if desired. Then seat the cooler with a bit of pressure and pull the cooler off to see if the coverage is sufficient.

Never installed a zerotherm, but I havent really met a tough to intall 775 cooler.

[Nitro-Max]

well tbh on my quad core i use zalman thermal paste with application brush i tried the line method and i tried the small amount method but according to zalman application method it says i have to cover the whole cpu using the application brush.
And this did give the best results to be fair.

ive never been one to use alot only a small amount but my quad seems to like been coverd its not as if the hs doesnt have a smooth surface because it is lapped very well.

4 cores must heat up the whole surface area.

[ShadowFold]

Just put some in the middle of the CPU then drop the cooler on it and let it spread it. Works for me every time :)

[Nitro-Max]

Just make sure the centre has a good spread of paste try to get it sat on streaght so it doesnt push the paste all one way that cpu should run nice and cool anyway 45nm.