Good cooling for a CPU is very dependent on how well the contact between the heatsink is in contact with the cpu die. Arctic silver 3, and other thermal compounds, are used to help make the contact  between the die and sink perfect by filling microscopic groves etc...

However alot of people actually do make cooling worse by installing such thermal compounds on their systems because the put way too much cooling compound. So I have decided to include this guide to how to install thermal compound correctly: HERE

Also when putting the heatsink onto the die I always wiggle it slightly. Dont know if it helps but I have been doing it for years.

Make sure you have a good heatsink also. Coper is always nice  

Exactly how I do it DualBoy ... except wanting the best from my cooling, I lap the heatsink to a perfect mirror finish    gets rid of any imperfections on the sink surface where trapped air creates an insulating barrier to heat transfer ... but that's for mad onions like me  >

Its always best to rid the sink of the thermal pad manufacturers put on as these are not very good and use decent compound

Thanks for pointing it out

I use 600, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600 and 2000 grit wet and dry paper and then to finish, the paper side of the 600 grit paper .... use with washing up liquid and warm water (cos my hands need it  )


I use Sandra to do a burn in and leave the pc running for a good while, 72hrs is the benchmark I use

EDIT: I should have added, I would have used 4000 grit paper aswell, if I could get it  :-

I use Sandra to do a burn in

Bat, I know our Sandra is hot >, but can I presume you mean SiSoft Sandra?  

I use Sandra to do a burn in and leave the pc running for a good while, 72hrs is the benchmark I use

Are you bragging again Bat  
I have yet to find the man who can keep me hot for 72 hours  

Here are details of the Nanotherm thermal paste. Have a look HERE

And if you go HERE you will find a comparison of some name brands of thermal paste.

Mind this is only relevant for those who want to get the best from their cooling hardware