How to clean thermal paste off cpu

Now they can leave it alone to run in peace, yes? Well… yes, but also no. You can definitely be comfortable with a newly-built or even a not newly-built computer for several months, but there will come a point where it starts slowing down -- that may be the time to replace your thermal paste.

And if your machine has been running hot or the fans are constantly whirring loudly, which often means the system is toasty , a fresh application of thermal paste can improve performance while dropping your temperatures for improved component longevity. This tiny box lives under a television, providing a Chrome OS Flex desktop in the living room. However, the steps would be the same if we were doing this with a custom-built PC see how to build a PC. Turn on the PC and let it run for a few minutes before shutting down and unplugging. Take your time and loosen the screws to ensure that even pressure is released. Use a little isopropyl alcohol on some lint-free cloth and start by wiping the thermal paste from the heatsink. Clean the paste from the CPU using isopropyl alcohol and a cloth.

How to clean thermal paste off cpu

If you're building a computer , you need thermal paste, or heat paste, to ensure that your computer's processor doesn't overheat. It's a gloopy, silvery material that you squirt between the processor and the cooler to fill in all the micro cavities in their surfaces, enabling a more efficient transfer of heat from the processor to the cooler. The best heatpastes work so well they let your processor run harder and faster, at lower temperatures, making your PC quieter in turn. You need to replace the thermal interface material every few years, too, so if you haven't opened up your PC in a while, it might be time to give it a spring clean. If your CPU and cooler are clean and ready to go, we can jump right in to applying new heat paste. If they aren't clean, and have old hea tpaste on them, scroll down to the section on how to clean your CPU first. The key to applying thermal paste is not to overdo it; you only need to use a small, pea-sized bit of paste — anything more would be excessive. As long as you aren't using a conductive heat paste, however, putting on too much won't break anything, it'll just be messy and in extreme cases, can cause your cooler to actually be less effective. Step 1: Install your CPU in the motherboard if you haven't already, then use the plunger on the tube of thermal paste to squirt a pea-sized amount in the center of the processor. Step 2: Next, install the CPU cooler while applying top-down pressure to the unit.

So it's important to understand it's a single line only! To learn how to apply new paste to the processor, keep reading!

So you've recently decided to peel back your CPU cooler and look at the thermally-conductive paste, or what's left of it, stuck beneath. You brave PC builder, you. And now you want it gone. Since you might be reading this with a phone in one hand and a messy CPU in the other, I'm going to cut to the chase: The easiest way to clean up old thermal paste is a paper towel. Now some may say that near-infinitesimally small fibres from the paper towel will stick to the heat spreader and prevent adequate cooling, but so long as you're not rubbing the paper towel to tatters, you'll probably be just fine. We do it all the time at PC Gamer towers when we're switching chips and have never run into any trouble.

PC maintenance involves all kinds of things that many might initially overlook, such as how to clean thermal paste off your CPU. You might go years without even thinking about reapplying your thermal paste. It aids heat transfer from one surface to the other by eliminating any tiny gaps that might exist between the two. Over time it can dry out and become less effective at transferring heat from the CPU to the cooler, so you might want to clean thermal paste off your CPU and reapply it every so often. But if you want to be extra thorough you can use

How to clean thermal paste off cpu

If you're building a computer , you need thermal paste, or heat paste, to ensure that your computer's processor doesn't overheat. It's a gloopy, silvery material that you squirt between the processor and the cooler to fill in all the micro cavities in their surfaces, enabling a more efficient transfer of heat from the processor to the cooler. The best heatpastes work so well they let your processor run harder and faster, at lower temperatures, making your PC quieter in turn. You need to replace the thermal interface material every few years, too, so if you haven't opened up your PC in a while, it might be time to give it a spring clean. If your CPU and cooler are clean and ready to go, we can jump right in to applying new heat paste.

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Wait until they have thoroughly air-dried. This is where people make a rookie mistake. They should work together. This will ensure the thermal paste is softer and less likely to damage the socket. Look up your CPU type or thermal paste directions for the best thermal path No account yet? You could also dust the internal components before fully closing it up. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read , times. Watch Articles How to. Here are our favorite AIO water coolers for easy installation. Place both on a clean, flat working area with the thermal surfaces facing up. Next, hold the power button down for at least 10 seconds to discharge any residual electricity. Work in a dirt- and dust-free environment. Water is not recommended for cleaning off thermal paste as it can leave moisture, potentially causing corrosion or damage to electronic components.

So you've recently decided to peel back your CPU cooler and look at the thermally-conductive paste, or what's left of it, stuck beneath. You brave PC builder, you.

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors. Daniel Chen. Use the thermal paste wipe to wipe the old thermal paste off the surface of the CPU. Step 3: Repeat the above process to remove any old thermal paste that may be stuck to the underside of your CPU cooler. Be sure to follow electrostatic discharge precautions before touching the internal components of your computer. If your workspace needs to be cleaned, wait for any airborne particles to settle before you proceed with opening your computer. Apply a small bead of new paste directly to its surface. Cookies make wikiHow better. If needed, you can lift the load plate to clean under it. Be sure to lower the heatsink straight down onto the CPU. What to clean thermal paste with? When removed correctly, you should see the CPU with the old thermal paste. Most Popular. Many of the rumors about what AMD might announce next came true too.