3.5 grams of Artic Silver is quite a lot. You only need to draw out a thin,
even layer of it on the CPU's surface before you seat the heatsink. If a lot
of the compound squirts out from under the heatsink as you install it, you
used too much. Not to fear, just wipe up what squirts so it can't act as a
conductor between traces on the mainboard, and it'll be fine. Be sure to
scrape off the little pad on the heatsink before using Artic Silver, as you
only need one or the other. Be careful not to scratch the heatsink while
scraping. Uneven surfaces don't allow for maximum heat transfer from the CPU
to the heatsink. Some people use strong rubbing alcohol to clean off the
surfaces of both the CPU and heatsink before applying Artic Silver and
installing the heatsink. Hope all ythese tips prove helpful. :)

Kenneth Whyman
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"Chance favors the prepared mind."

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