Although not as glamorous as other PC components, CPU thermal paste is an essential part of your hardware. It facilitates the transfer of heat between your CPU and the cooler to prevent overheating.
While the surface of your CPU and the base plate of your cooler look smooth to the naked eye, they have microscopic imperfections that retain air particles (see Figure 1). This prevents efficient heat exchange.
Application Methods
Even when a CPU is seated perfectly in a heat sink, microscopic roughness and imperfections can cause air pockets to trap heat between the processor and the heatsink. Thermal paste fills these gaps and improves thermal conduction between the processor and the cooler.
Choosing the right method for applying thermal paste is an important factor to consider, especially for overclockers. Aim for a small dot or line of paste, about the size of a rice grain. Some manufacturers may recommend specific application methods, so check with them before deciding on which one to try.
Regardless of which method you choose, always be careful not to apply too much paste. Excessive amounts can impede effective heat transfer and even damage the CPU. Also be sure to use a clean and dry cloth when applying the paste, as touching the surface with dirty hands can transfer oil and negatively affect its ability to conduct heat.
Temperature Ratings
There are many factors that come into play when it comes to choosing the best CPU thermal paste. One of the most important is temperature rating. This measures how well the thermal compound can transfer heat between the processor and the heat sink. The higher the temperature rating, the better the thermal paste.
Another factor to consider is the maximum working temperature of a particular paste. This is the temperature above which a CPU will start to throttle. It is important to find a thermal paste with this temperature rating, as it will be able to keep your processor cool even under intensive conditions.
Finally, it is also important to choose a thermal paste that can be spread evenly between the processor and heat sink. This is important because any gaps between the two will hinder the transfer of heat. The best option for this is the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, which features a no mess philosophy and comes with convenient tools like spatulas and cleaning pads.
Alternatives
What thread is to a fashion designer, CPU thermal paste is to assemblers and computer technicians. It is an essential item for lowering the temperature of the processor by filling in the tiny imperfections that exist between the chip and heat sink.
However, if you do not have it, there are alternatives that can work as long as they are applied correctly and with the proper method. The most common ones include toothpaste, mayonnaise and peanut butter, but they do not provide the same results as this product.
They also do not have the heat-conductive metal oxides found in this product. In addition, they may contain ingredients that can damage the underlying electronics. Another option is a thermal pad, but these are difficult to apply and can leave residues on the surface. Lastly, they have a short decay period and can evaporate within a few hours, so it is important to apply the commercial product as soon as possible.
Conclusions
While it may seem like a simple task, choosing and installing the correct thermal paste is an important component of any PC build. It minimizes microscopic air bubbles and irregularities between the CPU’s integrated heat spreader (the piece of metal built into the top of the CPU) and the cooling mechanism, allowing the hardware to operate properly without damage or overheating.
Using high-concentration rubbing alcohol is an effective way to remove old paste and prep the surface for new application. The best thermal paste for the job is silicone-based and nontoxic, such as our Kooling Monster KOLD-01.
When used correctly, a good quality thermal paste can provide long-lasting performance. Changing the paste on your CPU is recommended every couple of months to keep it working at its maximum efficiency. With a dizzying array of blends available, it’s worth researching the options before selecting a product for your build. Using cheap pastes can be risky, as they’re prone to drying and degrading with the heat of the processor.