How to clean thermal paste off cpu

So you've recently decided to peel back your CPU cooler and look at the thermally-conductive paste, or what's left of it, stuck beneath. You brave PC builder, you. And now you want it gone.

If you're building a computer , you need thermal paste, or heat paste, to ensure that your computer's processor doesn't overheat. It's a gloopy, silvery material that you squirt between the processor and the cooler to fill in all the micro cavities in their surfaces, enabling a more efficient transfer of heat from the processor to the cooler. The best heatpastes work so well they let your processor run harder and faster, at lower temperatures, making your PC quieter in turn. You need to replace the thermal interface material every few years, too, so if you haven't opened up your PC in a while, it might be time to give it a spring clean. If your CPU and cooler are clean and ready to go, we can jump right in to applying new heat paste.

How to clean thermal paste off cpu

Now they can leave it alone to run in peace, yes? Well… yes, but also no. You can definitely be comfortable with a newly-built or even a not newly-built computer for several months, but there will come a point where it starts slowing down -- that may be the time to replace your thermal paste. They may also be confused as to what the exact reason is. They should work together. Not so. You see, thermal paste is not infinite in its use time. It degrades over time usually a period of a year or two and becomes ineffective. So even if you were to put new thermal paste atop the old, the old thermal paste -- which has since lost its ability to transfer heat -- would bring down the overall heat transfer efficiency. The end-goal of applying or reapplying thermal paste is to gain an efficient transfer of heat between your CPU ILH and the heatsink.

Use a credit card or similar plastic piece to scrape off the majority of the pad.

Last Updated: January 8, Fact Checked. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed , times. Thermal paste is used to conduct heat from your computer's Central Processing Unit CPU to the heatsink, which prevents it from overheating. This paste can dry out over time, and it must be replaced periodically to maintain your computer's condition.

Thermal paste, essential for efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, degrades over time. Old paste can significantly reduce heat transfer efficiency, leading to overheating and performance issues. Regular cleaning and reapplication are vital for optimal CPU performance. Using the right materials and techniques ensures effective heat transfer and prevents potential damage to your CPU and motherboard. Stay informed and equipped to keep your system running at its best.

How to clean thermal paste off cpu

If you're building a computer , you need thermal paste, or heat paste, to ensure that your computer's processor doesn't overheat. It's a gloopy, silvery material that you squirt between the processor and the cooler to fill in all the micro cavities in their surfaces, enabling a more efficient transfer of heat from the processor to the cooler. The best heatpastes work so well they let your processor run harder and faster, at lower temperatures, making your PC quieter in turn. You need to replace the thermal interface material every few years, too, so if you haven't opened up your PC in a while, it might be time to give it a spring clean. If your CPU and cooler are clean and ready to go, we can jump right in to applying new heat paste. If they aren't clean, and have old hea tpaste on them, scroll down to the section on how to clean your CPU first. The key to applying thermal paste is not to overdo it; you only need to use a small, pea-sized bit of paste — anything more would be excessive. As long as you aren't using a conductive heat paste, however, putting on too much won't break anything, it'll just be messy and in extreme cases, can cause your cooler to actually be less effective. Step 1: Install your CPU in the motherboard if you haven't already, then use the plunger on the tube of thermal paste to squirt a pea-sized amount in the center of the processor.

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Sist redigert av rotNdude ; Last Updated: January 8, Fact Checked. You really don't need a lot of it. But it pays to take things a little slower when you're dealing with expensive and sensitive PC parts. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5. From everything I've read the best method to apply the thermal paste is the pea method. Some heatsinks have four screws that must be removed first. Back when I created this rig, it was my first time messing with that sort of thing, and I don't think I did it the best way just kinda put small dabs and used something to gently smooth it over the top of the processor or whatever you want to call it. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors. Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies.

One key aspect of this maintenance is ensuring the thermal paste, which facilitates heat transfer from the CPU to the cooler, is properly applied and kept fresh. Over time, thermal paste can degrade or become contaminated, leading to suboptimal cooling performance and, as a consequence, potential overheating issues. This is why cleaning old thermal paste off the CPU before reapplying a new layer is an important practice.

Les Pounder. Having their digital fingers in so many pies, though, makes troubleshooting motherboards quite difficult. Cookies make wikiHow better. Yes No. If I remembered the link where I got this info from I'd give it to you but unfortunately I don't. Apply the correct amount of thermal paste to the CPU. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Watch Articles How to. Difficulty Moderate. FAQ Why is it crucial to remove old thermal paste before applying a new one? So it's important to understand it's a single line only! Lint little pieces of cotton or paper can get stuck to the old thermal paste or spread out onto your motherboard which may cause damage to electronic components or lower the overall efficiency of your computer. Then, before removing the old paste, put on latex gloves and anti-static bracelets to avoid damaging the inside of your computer.