What is thermal paste and why is it important for your processor upgrade?

1 What is thermal paste?

Thermal paste, also known as thermal grease, thermal compound, or thermal interface material, is a substance that fills the microscopic gaps between the surface of your CPU and the base of your cooler. These gaps can trap air, which is a poor conductor of heat, and reduce the efficiency of your cooling system. Thermal paste improves the contact between the CPU and the cooler, and allows more heat to be dissipated from the CPU. This can lower the temperature of your CPU, extend its lifespan, and prevent thermal throttling, which is when your CPU slows down to avoid overheating.

3 How to apply thermal paste?

Applying thermal paste is not difficult, but you need to follow some basic steps and precautions. First, you need to clean the surface of your CPU and your cooler with a lint-free cloth and some alcohol or a special cleaner. This will remove any dust, dirt, or old thermal paste that might interfere with the new application. Second, you need to apply a small amount of thermal paste on the center of your CPU. The amount should be roughly the size of a grain of rice or a pea. You don't need to spread it evenly, as it will spread naturally when you attach your cooler. Third, you need to align your cooler with your CPU and secure it firmly with screws or clips. You should avoid moving or twisting your cooler once it is in place, as this might create air bubbles or uneven distribution of thermal paste. Finally, you need to connect your cooler's fan to your motherboard and power on your system.

4 What to consider when choosing a thermal paste?

Choosing a thermal paste for your processor upgrade depends on several factors, such as your budget, your cooling system, your CPU model, and your performance expectations. Generally, you want to look for a thermal paste that has a high thermal conductivity, which is measured in watts per meter kelvin (W/mK). The higher the thermal conductivity, the better the heat transfer. However, higher thermal conductivity also means higher price and higher risk of short-circuiting, especially if you use a metal-based thermal paste that is electrically conductive. You also want to consider the viscosity of the thermal paste, which affects how easy it is to apply and how well it fills the gaps. A thicker thermal paste might have better coverage, but it might also be harder to squeeze out of the tube and create more resistance. A thinner thermal paste might be easier to apply, but it might also drip or run off the CPU. You should also check the durability of the thermal paste, which is how long it lasts before it dries out or degrades. Some thermal paste can last for several years, while others might need to be replaced more often.

5 How to check if you applied thermal paste correctly?

After you applied thermal paste and installed your cooler, you should monitor the temperature of your CPU and see if it is within the normal range. You can use a software tool, such as HWMonitor or Core Temp, to check the temperature of each core of your CPU. The ideal temperature depends on your CPU model, but generally, you want to keep it below 80 degrees Celsius under load and below 40 degrees Celsius at idle. If your CPU temperature is too high, you might have applied too little or too much thermal paste, or you might have installed your cooler incorrectly. You should also check for any signs of leakage, spillage, or corrosion of thermal paste on your motherboard or other components. If you notice any problems, you should turn off your system, remove your cooler, clean the CPU and the cooler, and reapply thermal paste.

Thermal paste is an essential component for your processor upgrade, as it helps keep your CPU cool and stable. By understanding what thermal paste is, how it works, how to apply it, and what to consider when choosing it, you can improve your cooling system and optimize your performance. Thermal paste is not a magic solution, but it can make a noticeable difference in your CPU temperature and longevity.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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