What is thermal paste? And how is it applied correctly?

Today we bring you a tutorial on thermal paste where we recommend the most interesting models and we will teach you how to apply it. In addition to several very interesting tricks. You want to know more? Well don't miss it?

Index of contents

What is thermal paste?

Thermal paste, also known as thermal silicone silicone grease, thermal grease or thermal putty, is a heat conductor that can be applied between two or more components that do not have a direct connection (it is widely used). Since it allows heat dissipation preventing these components from overheating each other. Basically composed of Zinc oxide it allows the conductivity of 0.7 to 0.9 Watts per Kelvin meter (W / m · K), a much lower value compared to the 401 W / m · K that copper allows, it is even more efficient than silver which has a conductivity level of 2 to 3 W / (m · K).

How to apply the thermal paste on the processor

Now that we know what thermal paste is and its use, let us now understand how to use it in the best way to assemble our processor or graphics card.

We will start by warning that it is not necessary to be a professional to assemble a computer, however basic knowledge of it is required since the bad connection between components can damage or malfunction the equipment, but with our steps you will not have any problem.

As we have already mentioned, the thermal paste will be used to control the heat that may exist between two components, that is, it will optimize the heat inside the equipment, dissipating the "high" temperatures that can be generated when turning on our computer. That is why we must select the pasta that will really help us meet our goals.

There are different types of pasta classified according to their material:

• Metal thermal paste: they are the most expensive, however they provide better heat conductivity. Normally its components include silver, gold and copper… this would be our best option. Silicone thermal paste: it is of lower quality and its price is lower than metallic paste. Ideal for graphics cards. Ceramic thermal paste: it is even cheaper but they lose their functionality in a shorter period than silicone or metal. Liquid thermal paste: It has become quite famous when it is used to be delidded in Intel Mainstream processors (Skylake, Haswell, Ivy Bridge…) and when removing it they are difficult to clean.

We recommend the use of non-conductive thermal paste. Why do you use non-conductive? They are really good and avoid any problems with the equipment. Two steps are required for application, preparing the surface and applying the thermal paste. Now we will explain it in more detail.

1) Let's prepare the surface of the components:

Clean the surface of the components, using isopropyl alcohol., Do the task with a little cotton and with gentle movements, be patient that you will have your reward.

Optional (Not recommended when the warranty is lost): There are users who lap the surface with a sandpaper of less than 180 grit and, as with cotton and alcohol, this process must be with smooth movements, this technique will also allow uniform surfaces that contribute to heat dissipation. Although we do not recommend this option, because we may lose the warranty of the processor, losing the batch and the screen printing of the same.

2) Let's apply the paste:

There are two places where we can apply the thermal paste, one of them is on the heat sink and the second is on top of the processor, but the most effective is the second option, and the way to apply it is by drawing two lines in the form of "X" (Recommended for socket X99 or LGA 2011-3) or a straight line "|" (For the LGA 1151 or Z170 socket), since this will have more surface covered by this paste and will decrease air bubbles between the components.

Then we begin to join the pieces, for this we must glue the heat sink by pressing simultaneously on all sides of the component in order to expand the paste over the entire surface leaving a thin layer, it is important to know that once the components are not glued We will be able to lift them since the work would be lost and we would have to re-prepare the surfaces as in point one.

After completing these two easy steps, we will mount the fans and each fan cable to the motherboard. Processors usually work with an average temperature of 30ºC at rest and maximum around 60ºC. Everything will depend on the socket, heatsink and cooling of your box. Doubts? Ask us.

It is important to know that many thermal pastes need a “curing” time, that is, the Artic Silver 5 needs up to 200 hours (several days) to get the most out of it. While the MX4 its instant effect and is the paste that we recommend the most.

How to apply the thermal paste on the graphics card

In the case of how to apply thermal paste on graphics cards it is exactly the same, although we recommend a small drop on the chip and then we will tighten the heatsink screws.

It is also important to check if the thermalpads (they are pads that stick in the memories and power phases) are in good condition, if not: cracked, debris or dusty… it is recommended to change them.

Frequently asked questions: Does the thermal paste expire? The answer is yes. How often is it recommended to change the thermal paste to my processor or graphics card? Every year it is advisable to change it, although we recommend that a good time is before the start of summer, to avoid excessive temperatures.

Recommended thermal pastes

Below we detail the best thermal pastes on the market.

Arctic Silver 5

Arctic Silver AS5 - Heat Sink, Gray

• Composed of micronized silver and mixed with thermal ceramic particles It contains sub-micronized zinc oxide, aluminum oxide and boron nitride particles, thus achieving a better conductivity with time Limit temperature: -45C to 180C Particle size: 0.49 microns or what It is the same Quantity: 12 grams

25.50 EUR Buy on Amazon

As we have commented, it is a non-conductive thermal paste and to have a good curing effect, 200 hours must pass (almost nothing!). Fairly old, but still in use. Recommended for processors and graphics cards.

Arctic MX-4

Arctic MX-4 Carbon Microparticle Thermal Compound, Thermal Paste for Any CPU Fan - 4 Grams (with Tool)

• The 2019 Edition MX-4 convinces everyone with its usual and recognized quality and performance that has always distinguished it. BETTER THAN LIQUID METAL: Composed of carbon microparticles for extremely high thermal conductivity ensures dissipation of heat generated by the CPU or THERMAL COMPUTER.: The MX-4 Edition 2019 formula ensures exceptional component heat dissipation and maintains the stability necessary to push your system to its limits SAFE APPLICATION: The 2019 MX-4 Edition is metal-free and electrically non-conductive eliminating the risk of short circuits and adding protection to CPU and VGA cardsHIGH SUSTAINABILITY: Unlike the metal and silicone thermal compounds the MX-4 Edition 2019 does not compromise time: last at least 8 years

WE RECOMMEND YOU What is Screen Overlay and how can it be removed? 9, 99 EUR Buy on Amazon

We believe that it is the best that we can buy together with Noctua. Quite simple application (with spatula), non-conductive and very effective. Syringes of quite large sizes are sold at a good price. It is the one we use in our test bench. Recommended for processors and graphics cards.

Prolimatech PK-3

Prolimatech PK-3 - Heat Sink (5 g, High thermal conductivity)

• High thermal grade CompoundProlimatech PK-3 modelGrams5Easy to apply syringeHigh thermal conductivity - low thermal resistance

20.11 EUR Buy on Amazon

Another quality thermal paste but very difficult to apply. We know that many users use it and its good performance, but the MX4 or NT-H1 have nothing to envy. Recommended for processors.

Noctua NT-H1

Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, thermal paste (3.5g)

• Famous top quality thermal compound for optimal heat transfer between CPU or GPU and heatsink; more than 150 awards and recommendations Easy to apply (no need to extend prior to heatsink installation) and easy to clean with napkins or dry absorbent paper (no need to clean with alcohol) Heat-resistant, non-conductive thermal paste Corrosion: there is no risk of short circuits and its use is safe in all types of heatsinks. The excellent quality of Noctua combined with an excellent long-term stability: up to 3 years of recommended shelf life, up to 5 years of recommended use time on the CPUP. 3.5g for 3-20 applications (depending on CPU size, eg 3 applications for TR4, 20 for LGA1151)

7, 90 EUR Buy on Amazon

A Noctua masterpiece, easy to apply, effective at the moment and includes it in all its heatsinks. The "free ration" allows us up to 2 applications, so we can use it without problem.

Thermal Grizzly (Liquid Paste)

WINJEE, Thermal Grizzly Aeronaut Thermal Grease Heat Sink Fan Compound Cooling Processor Silicone Fan Thermal Paste 7.8g

• Brand Grizzly Thermal Density 2.6g / cm3 Application temperature-150 ° C / +200 ° C Thermal conductivity 8.5 W / mk Viscosity 110-160 Pas

26.85 EUR Buy on Amazon

Here is the favorite liquid paste for users who delidded their processors. It can be defined as: Very powerful, really conductive and you have to be very careful when applying it. As we have commented during the article, it is almost impossible to clean the processor 100% after applying it, since it leaves a lot of dirt residues.

Now we ask you: What thermal paste do you use? What is your favorite and how often do you change it? If you liked our article, please share it on your social networks and hit like. We are waiting your comments!