How to apply the thermal paste on the processor

Thermal paste is thermalconde material, which is used to improve the efficiency of the heat transfer from electronic components to the radiator. The main pregnancy of the pasta is to eliminate the air from the contact point of the radiator and chip. The thermal paste fills all the gaps on the surface of the processor and the radiator. Therefore, the emptiness of the air is removed between chips and processor. As a result, the heat transfer from the chip to the radiator to obtain much more efficiently.

In computer technology, thermal paste is used to remove heat from the components, such as processor, chipset, graphic chip, RAM. In this article I will explain with the thermal paste on the processor.

Removes the old thermal paste

If the processor has traces of thermal pasta with a previous installation, you will have to remove it. To eliminate the old thermal paste you can use chicks or napkins. If the thermal pasta is dried and cannot be deleted, it is possible to use towels with a small amount of alcohol. In addition, wet towels are also useful for cleaning the monitor.

Enter the processor in the motherboard base

Before applying the thermal paste on the processor, it must be inserted in the base on the motherboard. Insert the processor and attach it to the clamp. If you try to apply the thermal paste on the processor before inserting it in the base, you have the possibility to reach the circuits on the motherboard

Apply a small amount of thermal pasta to the center of the processor

After inserting the processor in the motherboard base, squeeze a small amount of thermal paste in the center of the processor.

Important not to overdo the thermal paste. If you put too much, the pasta on the contrary will affect the heat transfer. The amount of the pasta, necessary for the processor, can be estimated by the next image.

I easily stretch the thermal paste on the processor’s surface

After squeezing the necessary quantity of pasta on the processor, it must be stretched. The simplest you can stretch with a plastic card in the bank. Or you can use any other object with a smooth surface. Do not try to stretch the cardboard paste, the ribs or other soft objects.

As I said above, the thermal paste is used to remove the air void between the processor and the radiator. Therefore, the layer of thermal pasta must be very thin (about half a millimeter thick). Try to stretch the thermal paste on the surface of the uniform processor, without making coconut or air bubbles, which is why the effectiveness of the processor cools down.

Mount the radiator

After pressing the thermal paste on the processor, you can move on to the radiator. In order not to forget, it is not necessary to apply the thermal paste on the processor and radiator, because in this case you can put too much pasta and therefore you will influence the cooling of the processor.

Effective heat transfer is critical for maintaining optimal performance and longevity of electronic components. High temperatures can lead to system instability, reduced efficiency, and even permanent damage. By applying thermal paste correctly, users can lower operating temperatures, prevent overheating, and maintain stable system performance, especially during intensive tasks such as gaming, video editing, or heavy computation.

Additionally, thermal paste is a relatively inexpensive yet highly effective solution for enhancing cooling efficiency. While modern processors and cooling systems are designed to handle substantial heat loads, the presence of thermal paste ensures that the maximum cooling potential of the radiator is achieved. Regular replacement of thermal paste over time can also maintain long-term thermal performance, as the compound can dry out or degrade with prolonged use.

In conclusion, thermal paste plays a vital role in computer cooling systems by bridging the microscopic gaps between the processor and radiator, ensuring efficient heat transfer. Proper application of this material not only improves the performance and stability of electronic components but also extends their lifespan. Understanding its function and importance is essential for anyone seeking to optimize system cooling and maintain a reliable, high-performing computer.