Which processors will require less than a pea-sized dab of thermal compound?

The statement regarding notebook processors requiring less than a pea-sized dab of thermal compound is correct due to a few key factors.

Notebooks, also known as laptops, often have compact and integrated designs where the components are tightly packed together. This includes the CPU, which is typically smaller and has a reduced surface area compared to desktop processors. As a result, the amount of thermal compound needed to ensure effective heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink is lower.

Using too much thermal compound can lead to inefficiency in heat dissipation, as excess material can act as an insulator rather than a conductor. In the case of notebooks, precision in the application of thermal compound is crucial because even small variances in the quantity can impact performance and thermal management.

In contrast, desktop processors typically have larger sizes and thermal requirements due to higher performance expectations, meaning they may require more thermal compound to ensure optimal cooling. Similarly, tablets and servers were not selected because tablets also aim for compactness and may have different thermal characteristics, while server processors are generally designed for heavy workloads and higher heat output, thus needing more thermal compound.

Overall, the optimal application of thermal compound in notebooks reflects the balance between adequate cooling and the compact architecture inherent to these devices.