No, thermal paste itself is not dangerous for CPUs when used correctly. As technology continues to advance, the need for high-performance processors has become increasingly important. To achieve this level of performance, CPUs generate significant amounts of heat that must be dissipated efficiently to prevent damage and ensure optimal functioning.
Thermal paste helps to transfer heat from the processor to the heatsink, which in turn dissipates it away from the CPU.
First of all, we need to dig into the thermal paste, what is it and which function it performs?
Thermal Paste and It’s Function in CPU’s
Thermal paste, also referred to as thermal compound or thermal grease, is a viscous substance used in computer systems to aid in the transfer of heat between the central processing unit (CPU) and the heat sink.
The primary function of thermal paste is to facilitate the transfer of heat between the central processing unit (CPU) and the heat sink.
You need to paste thermal paste on your CPU because when a CPU operates, it generates heat due to the electrical currents flowing through its circuitry. To prevent the CPU from overheating and potentially damaging itself, it needs to be effectively cooled. This is where thermal paste comes into play.
Thermal paste is a viscous material that is applied between the CPU and the heat sink. Its purpose is to fill in the microscopic imperfections and air gaps that naturally exist on the surfaces of the CPU and the heat sink. These imperfections can hinder the direct contact between the two surfaces, creating thermal barriers and reducing the efficiency of heat transfer.
By applying thermal paste, it helps to eliminate these gaps and irregularities, creating a continuous and conductive interface between the CPU and the heat sink. This improves the contact between the two surfaces, maximizing the transfer of heat from the CPU to the heat sink.
Thermal paste is specifically formulated to have high thermal conductivity, allowing it to efficiently transfer heat. It is often made of a mixture of materials such as silicones, metal oxides, and carbon-based compounds, which help to enhance its thermal properties.
Do Cpu Come with Thermal Paste?
Yes, CPU often come with thermal paste included. Most AMD CPUs come with a thermal paste pre-applied on the CPU cooler. When you purchase a new AMD CPU, it is typically bundled with a stock cooler, which already has thermal paste applied to its base.
Same like Corsair CPU coolers often come with thermal paste pre-applied on the cooler’s base or include a tube of thermal paste in the package. It’s always a good idea to verify the specific product details.
However, it’s important to note that not all CPU coolers are the same, and the inclusion of thermal paste can vary depending on the specific cooler model and manufacturer. It’s advisable to check the product description, specifications or contents to verify if thermal paste is included.
Stock CPU coolers that come bundled with the CPU often have thermal paste pre-applied on their base. Additionally, some aftermarket CPU coolers include a separate tube of thermal paste in the package.
One question that can arise in your mind is about the quality of the thermal paste that comes with CPU cooler. Remember, the quality of thermal paste provided with CPU coolers can vary.
Some stock coolers may come with basic thermal paste, while certain aftermarket coolers may include higher-quality thermal paste. For enthusiasts or those seeking optimal performance, it’s common to purchase higher-grade thermal paste separately.
If your CPU cooler doesn’t include thermal paste, you will need to purchase thermal paste separately. It is widely available for purchase online or at computer hardware stores.
How Long Does Thermal Paste Last on a Cpu?
Thermal paste typically remains effective for several years, but its longevity can vary based on factors such as usage, temperatures, and the quality of the thermal paste. It’s generally recommended to replace thermal paste every 2-4 years or if you notice a significant increase in CPU temperatures.
If you are using the stock cooler that came with your CPU, the pre-applied thermal paste should be sufficient for normal use and can last for several years without needing replacement. As long as your CPU temperatures are within acceptable ranges and you are not experiencing any cooling problems, there is generally no need to reapply thermal paste.
However, there are certain situations where you may consider reapplying thermal paste:
- Upgrading Coolers: If you decide to upgrade to an aftermarket CPU cooler, it is common practice to clean off the existing thermal paste and apply fresh paste with the new cooler.
- Cooler Maintenance: If you are removing the CPU cooler for cleaning or maintenance purposes, you may need to reapply thermal paste when reattaching the cooler. This ensures optimal thermal contact between the CPU and the cooler.
- Dried or Degraded Paste: If you notice significantly higher CPU temperatures or performance issues, it could indicate that the thermal paste has dried out or degraded over time. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove the old thermal paste and apply a fresh layer.
Surely, a question will pop up in your mind about what’s the amount of therma; paste should I use?
The recommended amount of thermal paste to apply to a CPU is usually a small, pea-sized dot or a thin line in the center of the CPU’s heat spreader. This generally applies to standard-sized CPUs. So, if we talk about the actual weights or quantity, common recommended size is 0.5g.
It’s important not to apply excessive amounts, as it can lead to poor heat transfer. Same quantity, we can use for AMD CPU.
Many thermal paste syringes or tubes come with markings indicating the amount of paste in grams or milliliters. If you’re unsure about the appropriate amount, it’s always best to consult the CPU manufacturer’s guidelines or the thermal paste manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you are using.
How to Clean Old Thermal Paste off a Cpu?
To clean old thermal paste off a CPU, you will need a few basic supplies:
- Isopropyl alcohol (preferably 90% or higher concentration)
- Lint-free cloth or coffee filters
- Cotton swabs (optional)
- Rubber gloves (optional but recommended)
To clean old thermal paste off a CPU, you can follow these steps:
- Power off and disconnect your computer: Before working on your CPU, it’s crucial to shut down your computer and unplug it from the power source to ensure safety. This also ensures your safety and prevents any accidental damage to the CPU.
- Remove the CPU cooler: Unscrew and remove the CPU cooler carefully. This may involve disconnecting any clips or fasteners securing the cooler to the motherboard.
- Detach the CPU: Carefully detach the CPU cooler from the CPU by gently twisting or pulling it. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the CPU or other components.
- Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel: Take a lint-free cloth or paper towel and dampen it with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol). Ensure the cloth is not dripping wet but damp enough to clean effectively.
- Gently wipe the CPU: Gently wipe the surface of the CPU and the cooler’s base to remove the old thermal paste. Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure or scratch the CPU surface.
- Repeat if necessary: If there are stubborn remnants of thermal paste, you may need to repeat the process of wiping with the damp cloth until the surface is clean.
- Clean hard-to-reach areas: For any hard-to-reach areas or crevices, you can use cotton swabs or a soft-bristled brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean off any remaining residue.
- Allow to dry: After cleaning, allow the CPU and cooler to air dry completely. Ensure no alcohol or moisture remains before reapplying thermal paste.
In case of removing thermal paste from CPU pins, you need a soft bristle toothbrush with small amount of isopropyl. You should gently clean the pins without touching them. However, it’s important to be extremely cautious and avoid any bending or damage to the delicate pins.
It’s important to note that you should only use isopropyl alcohol with a high concentration (at least 90% or higher) to clean the CPU. Lower concentrations may contain more water, which can be less effective or take longer to dry.
Once the CPU and cooler are dry, you can apply a fresh layer of thermal paste and reattach the cooler following the manufacturer’s instructions.
