I just got some Arctic Silver and I'm afraid to use it because I don't understand what the instructions are telling me to do.

- Step 5 is to squeeze a small amount onto the base of the heatsink. Simple enough.
- Step 6 says to put a dab onto the CPU core. No problem there.
- Step 7 is to rub the compound into the base of the heatsink and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. Ok.
- Step 8 is to spread the compound over the CPU core using a razor blade. It says that the small amount from step 5 will be spread over the core. Well, how can I spread the amount from step 5 if it has already been wiped up with a cloth???

Here's a link for the instructions, if anyone can let me know what they're trying to tell me I would appreciate it. Any tips on using this stuff would also be great. Thanks!

Arctic Silver Instructions (http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm)

check out This Article (http://www.pctechtalk.com/view.php?id=138) at PCtechtalk has pictures as well. HTH

There is also a full pictorial walkthrough at the Artic site too. ;)

I believe what they are talking about, is that there is still a small amount left on the heatsink. The idea of spreading it out and wiping it clean is to fill in any scratches or imperfections.

I think I figured it out, when they say to use the small amount from step 5, I think they mean step 6... or else I'm still confused. :)

Yeah, you got it. I used a credit card instead of a razor blade though. Just spread a small even amount on the cpu. Like I said in my earlier post, the wiping on the heatsink is just to fill in any scratches etc.

you can use a razor blade or credit card or even get a little sandwich baggie and put it over your finger and spread it. I usually just put a little bit the size of a grain of rice in the middle of the chip and let the pressure of the Heatsink/Waterblock spread it all out.

Check the damn date before you post :bang:

I use heat sink on a regular bassis being a tv/vcr eng, just use some meths to clean both surfaces CPU/ Fan base, apply a dab of heatsink on the fan base use your finger then to spread it all over the contact surface, then install the fan onto the CPU, trying to slide it about as little as pos.

colin.

Nothing like a trip to the past :)