There’s a lot of talk about thermal paste and how to apply it when you’re building or repairing a computer.Thermal paste is a substance that helps transfer heat from the processor to the heatsink. When it’s applied correctly, it can help keep your computer running cooler and prevent overheating. So what happens if you use bad thermal paste, or don’t apply it correctly Can it cause your computer to overheat? In this post, we’ll take a look at what thermal paste is, how to apply it correctly, and what can happen if you don’t. We’ll also discuss some tips for preventing overheating in your laptop. Stay cool!
Thermal paste
Thermal paste, also known as CPU paste or thermal compound, is a greasy substance that’s designed to transfer heat from your computer CPU or GPU and into your computer’s cooling fan or heatsink.
Most CPUs come with a layer of thermal paste pre-applied by the manufacturer. This makes it easier for you to install the heatsink/cooler correctly. But over time, this pre-applied thermal paste can wear off or dry out. When this happens, you’ll need to reapply some new thermal paste before installing the heatsink. Some people prefer not to use any at all, instead choosing to clean off the old thermal paste and apply their own custom mixture later on down the road.
How to apply thermal paste
There are a few different ways to apply thermal paste, but the most common is the pea-sized method. This involves scooping a small amount of thermal paste (usually about the size of a pea) onto the center of your CPU. You then use either your finger or a blunt object (like the end of a screwdriver) to spread the paste out evenly across the surface. Some people also like to add an extra layer around the edges of the CPU for better coverage.
What can happen if you don’t apply thermal paste?
If you don’t apply thermal paste when you’re installing a new heatsink/cooler, your computer may overheat. This is because without the thermal paste, there won’t be any effective way to transfer the heat from your CPU to the cooling fan or heatsink.
Prevent overheating in your computer
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your laptop from overheating. First, make sure that your computer is properly ventilated. If it’s too hot, try moving it to a cooler location or using a laptop stand. You can also install some extra cooling fans inside your computer case. And finally, keep an eye on your CPU and GPU temperatures and make sure they’re not getting too high. There are a number of programs and utilities available that will monitor your system temperatures and give you alerts if they exceed safe levels.
Thermal paste isn’t always necessary
Keep in mind that it’s not always necessary to use thermal paste. Many CPUs come with a protective layer of pre-applied thermal compound, so you don’t have to do anything else. However, if your CPU didn’t come with any thermal paste or the old paste has worn off, then applying some new thermal paste is usually a good idea. And remember – whether you’re using pre-applied thermal compound or customizing your own mix, make sure it’s designed for computer processors. It should say somewhere on the container what kinds of components it can be used for (CPUs are usually listed). Also, never apply thermal paste when your computer is turned on! If you accidentally get some inside the CPU itself, turn your computer off immediately and let it sit for a little while to give the thermal paste a chance to harden. If you try to remove the CPU before then, you could end up damaging it.
Coolers without applying thermal paste
While most modern CPUs require some type of thermal paste in order to operate correctly, this isn’t always the case. Some people argue that they actually run cooler when there’s no thermal compound underneath their heatsinks/coolers at all, but this is usually because they’re not applying enough (or they’re using bad compound). If you’re installing an aftermarket cooler on an older CPU or one that didn’t come with its own thermal paste, make sure you do your research first. You should also make sure your CPU will actually fit underneath the cooler you want to use – sometimes this isn’t possible without using extra thermal paste. If you’re not sure what exactly is compatible with your CPU, go ahead and check out some reviews online before buying anything.
