Upgrading your computer’s CPU is one of the best ways to get a significant performance boost. However, most people don’t realize that applying high-quality thermal paste properly is essential to install a new CPU. When shopping for a new processor, you may be wondering – do CPU coolers come with thermal paste pre-applied, or do you need to purchase and apply it separately?

As an experienced system builder, I’ve swapped out countless CPUs. In this article, I’ll clear up the confusion around whether thermal paste is included with a new CPU and when you need to apply your own. While most stock coolers come with paste, the CPU itself does not. Applying quality third-party paste is vital for optimal cooling, especially if you plan on overclocking your new processor.

Whether this is your first-ever CPU installation or you’re a veteran builder, you’ll find this guide helpful.

Let’s dive in!

What is Thermal Paste and Its Importance

Thermal paste, a thermal compound or grease, is a thermally conductive material applied between the CPU and the cooler. It is designed to maximize heat transfer between these two components.

The paste usually consists of thermally conductive metal oxides or ceramics suspended in a silicone or oil-based carrier. This gives it a thick, grease-like consistency that allows it to conform to the microscopically uneven surfaces of the CPU and cooler.

A CPU is installed directly against a cooler; microscopic air gaps exist between the two surfaces due to imperfectly smooth and flat surfaces. Air is a poor conductor of heat and acts as insulation, increasing the thermal resistance between the CPU and cooler.

When a CPU runs, it generates a significant amount of heat. This heat needs to be dissipated quickly to avoid overheating. The top surface of the CPU is designed to contact a cooler to transfer heat away directly.

However, microscopic air gaps exist between the two surfaces due to imperfectly smooth and flat surfaces. Air is a poor conductor of heat, so these tiny air gaps act as insulation, increasing the thermal resistance.

Thermal paste eliminates the air gaps by filling the grooves and valleys with thermally conductive material. This allows for efficient conduction of heat from the CPU into the cooler’s fins or water block. With proper paste application, the thermal interface resistance is greatly reduced.

Using thermal paste makes a big difference in CPU temperatures. It’s not uncommon to see a 10°C or larger drop than installing a cooler without any paste. For overclockers pushing the limits, the quality paste is a must-have!

Too little paste can lead to poor coverage and excessive heat buildup in parts of the CPU with an air gap remaining. On the other hand, too much paste leads to overflow and messiness, which could lead to electrical shorts. That’s why it’s important to apply thermal paste properly!

Do CPU Coolers come with Thermal Paste?

No, CPUs themselves do not come with thermal paste pre-applied. The CPU chip is designed to make direct contact with a cooler to transfer heat.

The only thermal paste you will find on a new CPU is if it includes a stock cooler. Intel and AMD often package their retail CPUs with basic air coolers, and these stock coolers will have paste pre-applied on the cooler plate.

However, if you buy an OEM or tray CPU without a cooler, there will be no paste on the CPU itself. This is an important distinction – the paste is applied to the cooler, not directly to the CPU.

If you buy a standalone CPU and want to use an aftermarket cooler, you must purchase and apply high-quality thermal paste separately. The same goes for removing the stock cooler with pre-applied paste and switching to a better third-party cooler.

The only paste directly on a CPU is a residue left over from the manufacturing testing process. This paste would be unsuitable for long-term use and needs to be cleaned off before installing the CPU into a motherboard and cooler.

Do Intel CPUs Come With Thermal Paste?

Properly applying thermal paste is crucial for optimal cooling and performance when installing a new Intel CPU. But do Intel processors come with paste pre-applied? Or do you need to purchase and apply it separately?

Let’s find out.

• The Intel CPU die itself does not contain any thermal paste.
• The paste is only applied between the CPU die surface and the cooler cold plate surface, not directly on the chip.
• Some retail box Intel processors come bundled with an Intel stock cooler. These stock coolers have paste pre-applied on them.
• For example, Lower-end CPUs like Core i3 and Core i5 CPU likely come with a basic air cooler pasted, ready to mount onto the CPU.
• High-end unlocked “K” processors meant for unlocked “K” SKUs like i7s and i9s that enthusiasts prefer do not come with a cooler.
• The pre-applied paste on Intel’s stock coolers is only sufficient for mild overclocking and stock use.
• For heavy overclocking, high-performance third-party paste like Arctic Silver 5 is recommended for optimal cooling.

For example, an Intel Core i5-12400 retail box processor will come with Intel’s standard cooler with paste. But an unlocked Intel i9-12900K won’t include any cooler or paste.

While the Intel CPU die contains no paste, retail box processors often indirectly come with paste since lower-end models include a stock Intel cooler. But hardcore overclockers will need to buy and apply their own high-end paste separately.

I wouldn’t recommend replacing the included paste with aftermarket paste on a stock cooler. The performance difference, if any, will be minimal. So you can rest assured the included paste will work decently with a stock cooler.

However, an aftermarket high-performance paste will provide better heat transfer for more extreme overclocking. The limits on an overclock with a basic cooler are more likely to be from the cooler size, though, not the paste.

Applying the proper amount using the pea or line method allows for the best temperatures, especially on overclocked Intel CPUs.

Do AMD CPUs Come With Thermal Paste?

Properly installing thermal paste is essential for keeping AMD processors cool and performing optimally. But do new AMD CPUs already have paste applied? Or does it need to be added separately?

• The AMD CPU die itself contains no pre-applied thermal paste.
• Some retail box AMD processors come bundled with an AMD stock cooler. These stock coolers have paste pre-applied.
• For instance, a Ryzen 5 5600 CPU may come with a basic Wraith air cooler with paste on it, ready to install onto the CPU.
• High-core count Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 models often do not come with any stock cooler or paste.
• The paste on AMD’s stock coolers is only intended for stock settings and mild overclocking scenarios.
• Replacing the stock paste with a high-end brand like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is recommended for extreme overclocking.

For example, a Ryzen 5 5600X CPU bought at retail may come bundled with the AMD Wraith Spire cooler, which has thermal paste pre-applied. But a flagship Ryzen 9 5950X likely won’t include any cooler or paste.

AMD does not directly apply any paste onto its CPU dies. But many retail AMD chips indirectly come with paste since lower-end CPUs include a stock cooler. Enthusiasts need to buy and apply specialty thermal paste separately for the best cooling potential.

Having a tube of quality third-party paste-like Noctua NT-H1, on hand is wise for any AMD builder, especially overclockers. Properly applying paste enables top-tier cooling to maximize AMD CPU performance and stability.

Do Aftermarket CPU Coolers Come With Thermal Paste?

The situation changes once you move beyond the basic stock CPU cooler to higher-performance aftermarket models. Most enthusiast-grade third-party coolers do not come with thermal paste pre-applied.

The assumption is that PC builders buying advanced air coolers or liquid AIO coolers will use their own high-quality thermal paste. These coolers are designed for overclocking and heavy-duty use where every degree matters.

Coolers like the Noctua NH-D15, be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 and Corsair H100i are built to handle high thermal loads. But their makers rely on the user to apply proper thermal paste between the cooler and CPU.

I don’t recommend using the paste with a stock cooler when installing an aftermarket cooler. Even if you carefully cleaned and reapplied the stock paste, aftermarket options like Arctic Silver or Noctua NT-H1 will provide better performance and stability.

The only exception would be if you need to test an aftermarket cooler quickly and don’t have any other paste on hand. Most enthusiasts buying premium coolers will have quality paste ready to go. But in a pinch, the stock paste could get you by temporarily.

Stock Thermal Paste vs Aftermarket

Here is a comparison of the thermal paste included with stock coolers versus high-performance aftermarket pastes:

• The stock paste is sufficient for stock use – Pre-applied paste can handle TDP ratings, and mild overclocks.
• Aftermarket pastes made for enthusiasts – Designed for heavy overclocking with improved thermal conductivity.
• Lower thermal conductivity – Stock pastes have conductivity around 4-6 W/mK. Aftermarket pastes range from 8-12 W/mK.
• Thicker consistency – Stock paste tends to be thicker and less viscous. Aftermarket pastes spread thinner and smoother.
• Shorter lifespan – Stock paste may dry out after 1-2 years. Aftermarket pastes last 3-5 years.
• Lower temps – Quality aftermarket paste can lower CPU temps by 2°C to 5°C versus stock paste, depending on usage.
• Easier to apply – Many aftermarket pastes are non-conductive and safe if spilled. The stock paste can be conductive.
• More options – Aftermarket pastes come in different compounds for optimal performance. Stock paste uses one standard formula.

While stock paste gets done, enthusiasts should use premium aftermarket paste for demanding overclocks. The advanced compounds and easier application give better thermals long-term.

Do You Need to Apply Thermal Paste to a New CPU When the Cooler Has Pre-Applied Thermal Paste?

If you install a stock cooler with pre-applied thermal paste onto a new CPU, you typically do not need to apply any additional paste between the CPU and cooler. However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:

• The pre-applied paste on stock coolers is designed to provide an adequate thermal interface for stock settings. It will work fine for stock speeds and mild overclocking.
• Plan on doing more aggressive CPU overclocking. It can be beneficial to clean off the stock thermal paste and apply your own high-performance paste like Arctic Silver or Noctua NT-H1. The aftermarket paste can better handle the increased heat output.
• Ensure not to get any lint, debris, or fingerprints on the pre-applied paste when installing the cooler. Any contaminants could affect cooling performance.
• Do not attempt to reseat or remove the cooler after installation, as this can lead to air pockets in the paste. The pre-applied paste is single-use.
• If the pre-applied paste seems excessively dried out or is missing in spots, apply the fresh paste before installation.

In most situations, the pre-applied paste on stock coolers will be perfectly adequate for a new CPU at stock settings or with conservative overclocks. But if you want to push the limits, applying specialty high-performance paste can help maximize your thermals.

How to Apply Thermal Paste Correctly

Using the proper amount and application method of thermal paste is crucial for optimal heat transfer between your CPU and cooler. Follow this guide to ensure you get an even spread and full coverage.

What You’ll Need

• Thermal paste – Recommend quality paste like Arctic Silver or Noctua NT-H1
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Coffee filters or lint-free cloth
• Plastic spreader or old credit card

Step 1 – Remove Old Paste

If your cooler was used before, thoroughly clean off all old dried paste from both the CPU and cooler surfaces using isopropyl alcohol and coffee filters. Ensure no residue is left over.

Step 2 – Apply New Paste

Place a small dot or line of paste in the center of your CPU heat spreader. A rice-grain size dot is perfect for most applications.

Step 3 – Spread the Paste

Use your plastic spreader or credit card to spread the paste over the surface of the CPU gently. Apply light, even pressure to create a thin, uniform layer.

Step 4 – Mount Cooler

Place your cooler onto the CPU and secure it by gradually tightening opposite corners of the mounting hardware. Do not move the cooler once the paste is applied.

Step 5 – Do Not Reapply!

Once mounted, do not attempt to reseat or remove the cooler, as this can create air pockets in the paste application. You only get one chance to apply.

Patience and the proper technique will allow the paste to fully fill in any microscopic valleys or gaps between the CPU and cooler. This ensures optimal thermal conduction between the surfaces allowing for lower temperatures and stable operation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need to apply third-party thermal paste comes down primarily to the type of CPU cooler you are installing.

The stock coolers included with Intel and AMD processors will come with paste pre-applied. This is fully adequate for stock settings and mild overclocking.

When purchasing an advanced aftermarket cooler, you should plan to apply high-performance thermal paste separately. The paste that came with a stock cooler will not offer the same level of performance.

Applying paste properly is crucial to maximizing heat transfer between the CPU and cooler. Taking the time to clean surfaces and using the pea or line method thoroughly allows for the best coverage.

With quality paste applied correctly, you can feel confident your processor will have superior cooling. This allows you to pursue overclocking or place heavy workloads without crashes or throttling.

I hope this guide has cleared up when the thermal paste is pre-applied and when you need to purchase and apply it yourself. Let me know if you have any other questions!