Chosen Solution
I was wondering how I would go about doing this for my particular model? Some people are saying that I should never spread the thermal paste after I put a drop onto the parts and that instead I should just put a drop of the thermal paste and just put the heat sink on top, leaving it alone. I haven’t been able to find a 100% definite answer about this, so is this a good idea for my particular model? Should I do the “vertical line” method for my i7 processor without spreading it? I feel like not spreading it would only protect part of the processor with the thermal paste.
@thekingcameron follow this guide How to Apply Thermal Paste for the application.
Just in case you are overheating, carefully examine the end of the heat sink (where it is crimped). You are looking for an oily type of reside on the logic board. If you find this, replace the liquid filled heat sink. MacBook Pro 15" Unibody (Early 2011-Mid 2012) Heat Sink
