When building a computer, thermal paste is essential to prevent the processor from overheating. This silvery material fills in the micro cavities on the surfaces of the processor and cooler, enabling efficient heat transfer. High-quality thermal pastes allow your processor to run harder and faster at lower temperatures, making your PC quieter as a result.
It’s important to replace the thermal interface material every few years for optimal performance. If you haven’t opened your PC in a while, it may be time for a spring cleaning. In this guide, you’ll learn how to apply thermal paste, how to clean it, and other important aspects of its use.
How to Apply Thermal Paste
If your CPU and cooler are clean and ready, you can proceed to apply new thermal paste. Use a pea-sized amount of paste in the center of the processor without overdoing it. Excessive paste can be messy and may reduce cooler effectiveness. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Install the CPU on the motherboard and apply the thermal paste.
Step 2: Install the CPU cooler while applying top-down pressure to evenly distribute the paste.
Step 3: Check for excess paste around the CPU edges and wipe it off if needed.
How to Clean Off Thermal Paste
To replace old thermal paste, start by cleaning the CPU and cooler surfaces. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Wipe the CPU with a microfiber cloth to remove old paste.
Step 2: Use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the CPU and cooler surfaces.
Step 3: Check for any remaining paste and clean as needed.
Step 4: Proceed with applying new thermal paste as mentioned earlier.
How Often Should You Apply Thermal Paste?
Intel recommends reapplying thermal paste every few years or when removing the cooler. Keep an eye on your temperatures as high temps could indicate dried-up paste. Regularly monitoring your CPU temperature is advisable.
Do You Have to Use Thermal Paste?
While thermal paste is commonly used for efficient heat transfer, thermal pads are an alternative that doesn’t require reapplication. Thermal pads offer comparable performance and durability, making them a hassle-free option for maintaining optimal cooling.
Consider upgrading your CPU cooler while reapplying thermal paste for improved performance. Explore AIO water coolers for easy installation.
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