PCA Forums

http://kotaku.com/the-10-worst-things-a ... 1606794540

Actually I read that this morning and most if his gripes are a bit contrived. In particular the section about how to apply thermal paste. Every single paste manufacturer provides clear instructions and videos on their website on how they recommend to apply their product.

Me personally I use Arctic Silver and use the credit card technique. I have an old Blockbuster membership card in my toolkit I've used for 15 years.

Don't they say to put a blob or straight line dab in the center, then put the heat sink on top?

I've done it where using a small piece of plastic and a dot in the center, I move it around until the CPU is covered in a thin layer. For the heat sink, I apply a small amount and rub it in. I then wipe it off and install it on the CPU.

I do it just the way you do. Works fine every time. I take my time and make it as smooth as possible.

I just use a clean finger because it's easier to clean than find a baggie. Never had grease issues. And every time I've checked, it's been fine. It's also easy to feel if there's a chunk in there that would mess things up (and I've found some).

I have to agree about the motherboard front panel connectors & BIOS settings. Some standardization would make such a huge difference in new builds.

I hate those little plugs...

Some of the Asus boards that I've used have a master plug (e.g. one big plug). So installing them makes it easy and simple.

I always just hoped they would make a universal connector. Because they've been the same buttons/lights/speaker for the last 20 years.

I've never had many problems building a PC. For me the hardest part is deciding what I want to order. I think people make too big of a deal about the brand and how to apply thermal paste. Apply it like the manufacturer says and you'll be fine.

I do it similar to how you guys do but with a X-acto blade normally. The problem with the little dabs is that the heatsinks are not perfectly flat so they don't spread in a predictable way when you put the heatsink on.

I agree with normalicy on the universal connector. Some manufacturers like Dell have some similar, but it would help for sure to have a universal connector. If you include additional options on a motherboard, just have it on a section to the side. The annoying part is that they aren't always in the same spots, so you have to consult the manual every time. Though I wouldn't ever apply it with a finger. You risk getting dirt and dead skin in there.

The Asus Q Connector makes things much easier to do.

I enjoy building a new gaming rig. For me, it's rather therapeutic. I don't rush it and I take my time so that everything is done properly. I also apply the thermal the same was as Bob mentioned. I use an old credit card or membership card.

Ok that guy is being really dramatic. It's really not that bad...