My amd XP 2100+ runs at 45C idle, and when under stress gets up to 55 and sometimes 60C. Anyone knowledgable in this subject realizes that this is very high, considering i have a thermal take volcano 9 fan. Thing i want to know is, when im applying the thermal paste, should i gloop it on there in a pretty decent thick layer, or make it a TINY spread and rub it across with a razor. The way it is now was done with a small layer spread around the heatsink with a razor blade, and i have gotten very poor results. Could anyone enlighten me as to what the best method is? thanks for any help

If you put it on too thick it will act as an insulator rather than disipating the heat to the heatsink. AMD requires a thin layer of heatsink grease. I just put it on with my finger making sure that there are no pockets and that the grease is spread evenly. AMD is known to run hot so, I wouldn't call 55 or 60C too hot. You are safe if your pc isn't locking up.

Here's a good article. http://www.amd.com/us-en/assets/content_type/DownloadableAssets/Processor_Recognition_Rev02_ENG.pdf

The thermal cement should cover the contact patch of the CPU and not more. It should be about the thickness of a business card when aplied. It serves to improve the contact between the Heat Sink and CPU, not to act as a barrier.

The sole purpose of thermal "grease" is to exclude any air between the metal to metal contact of the CPU and heatsink. The air is that which is in microscopic imperfections (pits) on the what looks very smooth metal surfaces. Air is a terrible heat conductor, which is why you don't want any. But metal to meat is the best heat conductor, so you also want as little thermal compound (which is better than air, but not as good as metal to metal) in the contact as possible. A VERY thin film should be applied -- not one as thick as a credit card. (Use the CC to wipe it off before putting the metal surfaces together)

punfa is correct: anything under 60 degrees is normal for AMD