Thermal paste is a thermally conductive material that is used between the computer processor (CPU) and the heatsink. When the CPU is working, a lot of heat is generated. Thermal paste is used to quickly transfer this heat to the heatsink, so that the CPU stays cool and does not overheat.
Why Is Thermal Paste So Important?
Without thermal paste, air remains between the CPU and the heatsink. Air cannot conduct heat, so the processor heats up quickly. In the long run, this can even destroy the PC. Therefore, thermal paste is one of the components that protects the health of the PC.
Can I Run A Pc Without Thermal Paste?
While it is possible to run a PC without thermal paste, it is not safe. This can cause the CPU to overheat, which can lead to:
- PC slows down
- May auto-restart
- Hardware may be permanently damaged
Are There Any Alternatives To Thermal Paste?
Many people ask what to use if they don’t have thermal paste. Below are some possible alternatives and their effectiveness:
| Alternative | Usability | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Vaseline | ❌ | No thermal conductivity |
| Toothpaste | ⚠️ | Usable only once for 1–2 hours |
| Hand Sanitizer | ❌ | Cannot withstand heat |
| Baking Soda & Oil | ❌ | May damage CPU |
✅ Conclusion: It would be better to use the original thermal paste than to use these alternatives.
How Long Does Thermal Paste Last?
A quality thermal paste usually lasts for 2-5 years. If you are working heavily, it is best to change it every 2 years.
When To Change Thermal Paste?
The thermal paste needs to be changed if the following symptoms occur:
- CPU temperature is higher than before
- Fan noise has increased
- PC is running slowly or freezing
- Previous paste has dried out or hardened
How To Change Thermal Paste?
- Turn off the PC and open the case
- Open the CPU fan
- Clean the old paste with isopropyl alcohol
- Put 1 drop of the new paste in the middle
- Place the heatsink correctly
What Mistakes Should Be Avoided When Applying Thermal Paste?
- Too much or too little paste
- Applying a new paste without removing the previous paste
- Spreading paste with fingers
- CPU and heatsink are not seated properly
How Many Grams Of Thermal Paste Is Enough?
Only 1 gram is enough to apply thermal paste to the CPU once. Usually, a 5-gram tube can be used 4–5 times.
What Happens When Thermal Paste Loses Its Effectiveness?
If the thermal paste becomes old or loses its effectiveness, then:
- CPU will heat up very quickly
- PC may auto-shutdown
- Lag or crash while playing games or heavy apps
Should Thermal Paste Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
No. Storing thermal paste in the refrigerator can cause it to freeze and become unusable. Instead, store it in a dry, cool, and dark place.
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What Are The Best Thermal Paste Brands?
List of the most popular thermal paste brands around the world:
- Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
- Arctic MX-6
- Noctua NT-H2
- Cooler Master MasterGel
- Corsair TM30
All of these brands of thermal paste can last up to 5 years and are capable of reducing temperatures by an average of 5-10°C.
How To Clean Thermal Paste?
- . Scrape off the old paste
- Moisten with 70% or 90% isopropyl alcohol
- Wipe with a cotton pad or microfiber cloth
- Apply the new paste after it dries completely
Is It Safe To Spread Thermal Paste By Hand?
No. Fingers contain oil and dust, which can damage the CPU if they get on it. It is best to use a spreader or heatsink for the application.
What Is The Heat Resistance Of Thermal Paste?
Most pastes can withstand temperatures from -50°C to 180°C. Therefore, this paste remains effective even at high temperatures.
How Long Does It Take To Apply Thermal Paste?
It takes 5-10 minutes to apply the paste and install the heatsink. However, you should monitor the CPU for 15-30 minutes afterwards.
Can Thermal Paste Damage The Cpu?
✅ Never if applied correctly. ❌ If applied incorrectly, the paste can fall on the motherboard and cause a short circuit.
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FAQ
Should Thermal Paste be changed every year?
No, changing it every 2–5 years is enough.
What are the signs that the Thermal Paste is not working properly?
CPU overheating, PC slowing down, fan noise increasing, etc.
Can Thermal Paste be used more than once?
No, after using it once, it should be removed, and a new paste should be applied.