Tellurex's Introduction to Thermoelectrics
Tellurex's Thermoelectric FAQ
Melcor's Thermoelectric Engineering Handbook

My first idea about using a TEC was to simply attach it in between the CPU and my oversized dual-fan heat sink, power it up and all would be fine.  Though I have seen many peltier CPU coolers for sale that were designed this way, my reading told me that this was not the most effective use of the device.  However, if I was going to learn how to make a TEC CPU cooler that worked, I had to start somewhere.

Attempt 1
Starting with my Vantech CPU Cooler heat sink, I added the peltier element, Part # 580-0052 from Meci Surplus and centered it between the heat sink and chip.  Both sides of the TEC were coated with a very thin layer of thermal compound.  The peltier sandwich was held together nuts and bolts with springs added to even the clamping pressure.