The end of a great debate

I put the thermal paste in my mouth then spit it onto the CPU before slapping the motherboard.

the X is actually goes hard???

The actual mounting pressure of a CPU cooler has time and time again proven any of these methods of application to be fine. That said I tend to do the “X” method.

X gonna give it to ya(excellent thermal coverage)

Just use The Verge method. 100% coverage guaranteed.

For best results.

Finally. X and double bars for the win

Endless overclock. 86°F 100% of the time. You're welcome.

There's literally no debate. This has been solved 10+ years ago. You spread a thin layer yourself instead of doing this dumb ass shit.

x had me

So an X shape or two parallel lines minimum, got it

Here's Arctic's video covering this and the post cooler installation result using MX-6.

The actual performance difference between each method is nonexistent. Do whichever one you like most.

Glass is a terrible heat sink.

This video shows nothing. The actual cooler will apply significantly more pressure to the paste and spread it more. A pea is fine.

Should I throw some oil on the fire by saying: You haven't tested this one

X gone give it ya!!

La respuesta correcta es: ninguno, ya hay láminas de grafeno que se colocan sobre el procesador, duran prácticamente toda la vida y disipan el calor mucho mejor que la pasta térmica

One important thing here that people rarely mention, is that you should try to place and secure the heatsink in one smooth motion. Try not to let it lift, or else you create a textured "stucco" that traps lots of insulating air pockets regardless of the method.

You guys use paste? 😬

I just spread it evenly using the spatula they give you. It takes a minute. Especially when it's something you rarely have to do, I don't mind putting in the extra effort when each CPU has a different design, and might benefit from using the whole surface.

vindicated for using the X pattern

Under the metal cover on the top of the CPU the actual chip is really small so it doesn't matter.

While interesting, it doesn't end the debate. To end it, you should make sure you apply the same exact volume of paste each time, and apply the same amount of pressure.

So X is clearly the best?

We've known it basically doesn't matter forever but it's interesting just how better the full X seems to be compared to 5 dots in an X shape, even though it's likely the same amount of paste.

X marks the spot, literally

Four fingers and a piece of glass does not even come close to matching the mounting pressure of a real CPU block. This stupid video has been circulating for over a decade now.

Such a simple experiment but I never thought of trying it

X method and spatula full coverage win. Ok.