01
What is Thermal Paste?
Thermal paste, also known as thermal compound or heat sink paste, is a high-efficiency thermal conductive material used to fill microscopic gaps between electronic components (such as CPUs and GPUs) and heat sinks. Its main ingredients are silicone oil base and thermal fillers (such as metal oxides, ceramic particles, or silver powder), which significantly improve heat transfer efficiency by reducing air gaps on the contact surface.
02
Core Functions of Thermal Paste
🚩 Fills microscopic imperfections: Metal surfaces may appear smooth, but under a microscope they have uneven areas. Thermal paste fills these gaps, reducing thermal resistance.
🚩 Enhances heat conduction: The addition of thermal fillers (such as aluminum oxide or silver powder) greatly increases the thermal conductivity of the paste (commonly between 3–15 W/m·K).
🚩 Prevents localized overheating: Distributes heat evenly to prevent rapid temperature rise caused by poor contact.
03
Common Questions And Answers About Thermal Paste
Q1: How often should thermal paste be replaced?
A1:
- Regular use: Recommended to replace every 1–2 years. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may cause the paste to dry or the oil to evaporate, reducing thermal performance.
- Extreme conditions: For computers under heavy loads for long periods (e.g., mining, rendering), replace every 6–12 months.
- Signs: Abnormally high CPU/GPU temperatures (e.g., idle temperature rises by over 5°C) may indicate degraded paste.
Q2: How much thermal paste should be applied?
A2:
- Principle: “Less is more!” Excess paste may overflow, contaminate the motherboard, or cause short circuits.
- Recommended methods:
- Dot method: Squeeze a pea-sized amount (about 4–5 mm in diameter) onto the center of the chip, which spreads naturally when the heat sink is mounted.
- Spreader method: Use a plastic spatula to evenly spread a thin layer (thickness around 0.1–0.3 mm).
Q3: Can toothpaste or butter be used as substitutes for thermal paste?
A3: Absolutely not!
- Toothpaste: Contains water and abrasives, may work briefly but dries out quickly, losing thermal conductivity, and can corrode metal.
- Butter/oil: Melts and leaks under high heat, has poor insulation, and can cause short circuits or fires.
Q4: What should I do if thermal paste spills onto the motherboard or capacitors?
A4:
- Power off immediately: To prevent short-circuit damage.
- Cleaning method:
- Use a cotton swab dipped in high-purity alcohol (≥99%) to gently wipe the affected area.
- Avoid paper towels or fabrics to prevent fiber residue.
- Let the area dry completely before turning the power back on.
Q5: Is thermal paste conductive?
A5:
- Standard/ceramic thermal pastes: Non-conductive and safe to use.
- Metal-based pastes: Contain silver or copper powder which may conduct electricity. Ensure the paste only covers the chip surface and does not contact circuit pins.
04
Usage Tips
🚩 Clean off old paste thoroughly using alcohol and a lint-free cloth to ensure proper adhesion of new paste.
🚩 Storage: Keep unopened paste in a dark place; refrigerate (not freeze) opened paste in a sealed container to prevent oxidation.
🚩 Tool choice: Avoid metal spatulas that could scratch the chip surface; use plastic or silicone tools instead.
05
Conclusion
Though small, thermal paste is a hidden hero in the cooling system. Proper selection and application of thermal paste can significantly enhance device stability and longevity. Remember: apply appropriately, replace regularly, and clean safely to maximize its performance!
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