CPU Thermal Paste Application Guide - Best Practices 2025

[PC_Builder_Pro]

## CPU Thermal Paste Application Guide 2025

**Methods tested (temperature results):**

1. **Pea-sized dot** (middle): Most consistent
2. **X method**: Good coverage
3. **Spread method**: Risk of bubbles
4. **Line method** (for Ryzen): Works well

**Best pastes I've used:**
- Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
- Arctic MX-6
- Noctua NT-H2
- Gelid GC-Extreme

**Common mistakes:**
- Using too much paste
- Not cleaning old paste properly
- Skipping paste on GPU dies

 

[Mike_TechGuru]

I always recommend the **pea-sized dot** for beginners. It spreads evenly under pressure and minimizes air bubbles.

**Pro tip**: Use isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and coffee filters for cleaning. Lint-free cloths work too.

 

[Hardware_Hunter]

For direct-die cooling (delidded CPUs), use liquid metal carefully!

1. Apply conformal coating around CPU
2. Use small applicator
3. Less is more with liquid metal
4. Check spread after first heat cycle