Introduction
Replacing the thermal paste on your CPU can provide better cooling and performance. As thermal paste ages it becomes less effective at transferring heat away from your CPU. Replacing old paste with fresh paste can lower CPU temperatures by 10-20°C. Lower temperatures reduce throttling allowing your CPU to run at higher speeds for longer. Replacing thermal paste is an easy upgrade that can renew an aging computer.
How Thermal Paste Works
Thermal paste fills the microscopic gaps between the CPU and CPU cooler, allowing for better transfer of heat from the CPU to the cooler. The paste improves surface contact by eliminating air pockets. Thermal paste is designed to conduct heat well but not electrically, unlike a metal material. As paste ages it dries out becoming less effective. Replacing old paste restores the heat transfer capability.
When To Replace Thermal Paste
Thermal paste normally lasts 2-3 years before drying out. Signs to look out for:
- Elevated CPU temperatures
- CPU throttling under load
- Sudden system shutdowns or crashes
- Noisy CPU fan constantly running at high speeds
If your CPU is over 3 years old it is a good idea to replace the paste even if you don’t notice any issues yet. Reapplying paste periodically maintains optimal cooling as your system ages.
How To Remove The Old Thermal Paste
Removing the CPU cooler takes care not to damage delicate motherboard components.
- Power down the computer and unplug power supply
- Remove side panel to access motherboard
- Locate CPU cooler retention bracket
- Carefully loosen and remove retention screws
- Gently twist cooler to break paste seal
- Lift cooler straight up off CPU
The CPU should now be exposed with the old thermal paste on top. Using a soft cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol, gently wipe paste residue from the CPU and cooler. Allow to dry before applying new paste.
Applying The New Thermal Paste
Applying new paste is a simple but important process. Use a small rice-grain sized dot in the center of the CPU.
- Place a small dot of paste in the center of the CPU, around 4mm wide.
- Do not spread the paste, the pressure of the cooler will spread it evenly.
- Too much paste results in overflow and poor heat transfer.
- Too little paste leaves gaps and uneven coverage.
Arctic Silver and Noctua NT-H1 are top pastes praised for performance and ease of use. Avoid electrically conductive pastes for CPUs.
Re-Attaching The Cooler
Carefully lower the cooler onto the CPU and re-install retention screws. Alternate tightening screws diagonal to each other to ensure even pressure. Do not overtighten. Reconnect power supply and check for normal boot. Load temperatures should now be significantly lower.
Conclusion
Replacing old dried out thermal paste on a CPU can lower temperatures and reduce throttling. Use a small 4mm dot of fresh non-conductive paste and re-attach the cooler. Lower CPU temperatures improve stability and extend the usable life of components. Replacing paste takes little time and can restore performance to an aging computer. Monitor temperatures periodically and reapply paste as needed every 2-3 years.
