It's been awhile since hooking up a computer. The last time I had to use thermal compound that wasn't pre-applied is close to 7 years. Back then I was told to put it on and spread it out with a pieces of plastic. Well this method is quite messy and really wrong! The best way to apply thermal compound is to apply a little dollop in the center and let the heat sink spread it out. Anyway, I used way more than is necessary.