Optimal thermal paste application for a Core 2 Quad?

[nerr]

I'm aware of the fact that there are two sets of dual-core dies underneath the heatspreader of a Core 2 Quad, hence four cores... but I'm unaware of the optimal method for applying thermal compound on these. When I built my PC, I used way too much. My temperatures are far too high, even at only about 3.0GHz, so I'm going to dismantle and clean my PC this weekend, and reapplying thermal compound is part of the plan.

This is my current planned application method. Just a long strip across all four cores, and then allowing the heatsink to spread it out with pressure. (Xigmatek HDT-S1283 + backplate)

Is this the optimal method? I know everybody's got their own way of doing it... but I just need whatever will work the best, and I know that you want to use as little compound as possible as well. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[setter]

The line method youve shown in your post will be fine

 

[Zero82z]

This is the method you should use with the Xigmatek: http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.p...sk=view&id=170&Itemid=38&limit=1&limitstart=5

 

[nerr]

Interesting... so two small lines in the areas between the three heatpipes, about half the width of the processor will work best with my cooler, eh? Will do then!

Thanks both of you, but special thanks to Zero for that guide specifically for my heatsink.