Xeb's Guide to Applying IC7 and Other Thick TIMs

THIS GUIDE IS NOT ABOUT APPLYING TIMs LIKE MX-2, AS5, ETC...
Although it can be used to apply any TIM, it is not recommended to do it this way with the ones I listed above....




This is how I go about applying IC7 to anything (or any other viscous TIM like Shin whatever).

1. You NEED to run it under hot water for about 2-3 minutes so it is easier to get out of the tube.

2. You cannot spread it, so you have to put a glob in the dead center of your CPU.
I recommend using a 6-7mm (I used about an 8mm) glob for people using a HDT cooler like the s1283 and for everyone else, use a 5-6mm glob.

3. Take heat sinks and put it down onto the processor and apply some pressure (if you are on a table, you can apply a good amount pressure. And my a good amount, I mean about 3-5 pounds of pressure if you want).

3.5: (OPTIONAL!!!!!!!) YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS STEP!: You could also twist it side to side a few times while applying pressure (no more than 3 times. left, right, left, or right, left, right) try not to lift the cooler up (with IC7, air pockets are really bad).

Optional Step 4. PLEASE NOTE, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS STEP! Turn your computer on (the mobo out side of the case with all the essentials plugged in like power, GPU, and the power button) and let it get a warm without the fan on the cooler (if you cannot do this then leave it on but do not plug in the fan) (about 2-3 minutes BUT NO MORE THAN 5 MINUTES!!!!!!!!!!!) then twist side to side 2-3 times (this spreads it even more).

5. Tighten down the heat sink. And put the fan back on the heat sink.

6. Turn your computer on and really stress it hard for 2 hours (Intel Burn Test or OCCT LinPack) to break in the compound.

7. Enjoy.
Edited by Lord Xeb - 10/3/09 at 11:21am

I have actually found out that is the worst way to put TIM on those kinds of coolers.... But with IC7 and other viscous TIMs you really do not have a choice but to use my guide.... (truse me after several (at least 7 or 8) reseats and stress testing).


For HDT coolers I have found that if you were to take TIM and place it on the base of the cooler and spread it around till the groves are filled it then scrap off the excesses. Then use that excess and some more TIM on the CPU and spread it around pretty evenly (you need a layer about 1-2 paper sheets thick), then press it down making sure you do not lift the cooler. Tighten it and your good to go

I use "too much" because it squeezes out of the gaps <.< But usually I only do about a paper sheet thick layer.

My guide is the right way but you are going to have to use a little more than usually. Us a 7mm blob in the dead center of the CPU and follow my guide.

Hm... But that cannot be done with IC7 because it is so freaking thick...