How should I apply the thermal compound

[DaJe]

I have some Arctic Silver 5. Should I just put some in the middle of the heatsink, then press it down onto the CPU?

The CPU's heatsink came with a little thermal compound already on it too http://codeinsurrection.com/pics/computer/PICT5300.JPG

[.Maleficus.]

http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_silver_instructions.htm

[Chel]

Yeah do that ^ or spread it with a credit card. I find I get better results when I spread it rather than following those instructions.

[public_eyesore]

make sure to clean off the other thermal comppund that is already on the heat sink.