How Often should you change thermal paste on your CPU?

Most people suggest changing thermal paste every two years, but this varies by manufacturer and quality, Or Some don’t change it for the lifespan that you own the computer or laptop. Did you know that simply blowing out the dust from your computer can speed things up again for you? its true dust build up in the radiator prevents sufficient ventilation through and can cause your CPU to overheat and under perform. It is always good practice to properly maintain your computers hardware components, Simply use a can of compressed air to blow out all the dust, be sure to get into the small areas between your radiator or heat sink and blow it out thoroughly. Still having issues with overheating after this? maybe its time to change out the thermal past on your CPU, Nervous to do it yourself book your machine in for a service at Nemotech. or follow this simple guide to do it yourself. Nemotech dose not take responsibility for damages caused should you get this wrong. Take note this is a generic guide and may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer on different brands and products.

Why Is Thermal Paste Important?

Most CPUs have a TJ Max (Temperature Junction Maximum) of 100°C (or 212°F), beyond which the CPU enters survival mode. This involves drastically reducing power consumption by lowering clock speeds and CPU voltage to cool things down.

Some modern CPUs begin thermal throttling as low as 80°C (176°F).

It is therefore practically impossible to run a modern computer without some form of active cooling slapped onto the CPU. All cooling systems thermally interface with the CPU IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader) by the means of a copper block. In liquid cooling systems, the block is attached to a pump and radiator assembly, whereas air coolers work by drawing heat away from the block using heat pipes connected to dense fin stacks.

How to Choose the Right Thermal Paste?

The primary role of any thermal interface (paste or pad) is to prevent air from being trapped inside the microscopic gaps between the CPU IHS and the cooler block. Thermal pastes (also known as thermal compounds) solve this problem by leveraging particles that are extremely fine as well as thermally conductive.

The smaller the particles of a thermal paste, the better they are able to fill in the microscopic air gaps between the cooler and the CPU. A good thermal paste is a suspension of such particles in a viscous medium that spreads uniformly and is resistant to drying or solidifying over time. The best way to ascertain that is to check the manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended operational life of the thermal paste application. Noctua’s NT-H2 thermal paste application, for example, is claimed to last up to five years.

Thermal conductivity is another important factor.

Thermal pastes that are electrically conductive also tend to offer better thermal conductivity on average. However, over application can cause excess paste to be squeezed out and spread onto sensitive electronic components around the CPU die. This may result in electrical shorts, which can kill critical components.

How to change your thermal heat paste

Step 1 Remove the heat sink

If you have a heat-sink with a latch, flip the latch and pull the heat-sink directly upward to avoid pulling the CPU out. Do this slowly, as dry thermal compound sometimes adheres to the CPU and pulls it out if you are not careful. This can lead to damaged pins. Make sure to disconnect the fan as well.

Step 2 remove the CPU

There is a retaining latch that hold the CPU in the socket. Lift this latch, it may have to be moved outward, then it will lift up. Use caution as this latch is usually under pressure. If you have an AMD CPU , be especially careful to lift the CPU DIRECTLY UPWARD. This will prevent pins on the CPU from bending, and bent pins usually cannot be fixed.

Prepare to remove old thermal paste

There is most likely old/dried out thermal paste on your CPU. You will need some materials.

– A tube of thermal compound

– Paper towel

– Rubbing alcohol (Higher % The better)

Step 3 Remove the Paste

Dampen the paper towel with rubbing alcohol. Rub the CPU and heat-sink with the towel, and slowly remove the thermal compound from the CPU. This may take some time, so be patient. Do the same with the heat-sink.

Step 4 Re-install the CPU

Follow the steps for inserting the CPU in reverse. Make sure that the gold arrow that is on the CPU is in the same spot as the arrow stamped into the CPU socket. Lower the CPU directly downward into the socket. Be careful not to slide the CPU into the socket, as it can bend the pins. Lower the latch and lock it into place.

Step 5 Apply new thermal paste

The best method for thermal paste application is to apply a 1/2 pea sized amount directly on the CPU. This may not seem like much, but is spreads over the entire CPU.

Step 6 reinstall Heat sink

Lower the heat-sink directly onto the CPU, be careful not to slide it around and possible push thermal paste off of the CPU. If any leaks around the edges, use a paper towel and rubbing alcohol to remove it. Be careful to let the alcohol evaporate before using the system. Flip the latch to lock it into place. Re-attach the fan cable.

Step 7 turn on the PC and test

Your computer should now boot up normally. If it does not, make sure you check other components that may be improperly seated, or it may be that the CPU is damaged and will no longer function. Nemotech accept no responsibility for damaged components as a result of you improperly executing this procedure.