How to apply thermal grease on a laptop processor

The processor and video card are the most important components of a laptop. For their stable and smooth operation, a cooling system is provided.

Why do I need to change the thermal grease

Let's start with the definition. Thermally conductive paste is a material consisting of many components, having high plasticity and thermal conductivity. Its usual composition is silicone combined with zinc oxide. There may be inclusions of silver, ceramics and carbon, which increase the efficiency of work.

The purpose of the application is to increase the contact area between laptop elements.. Microscopic irregularities (cracks, hollows) of the processor and the radiator are filled with this substance. The result is an improvement in heat transfer from the computer device to the cooling devices.

In the absence of a paste, air gaps may be formed that prevent heat removal. The stability of the chip drops, it begins to overheat. Sudden computer restarts occur, it temporarily reduces the temperature of the processor.

How often should I change the thermal grease

Over time, the thermal grease begins to dry and gradually loses its heat-conducting properties. The plastic layer is powdered or hardened.

The period of wear may vary depending on the following conditions:

• material grade;
• working surface temperature;
• the degree of load of the chip.

If a quality layer has been applied, working in a stable temperature environment and at moderate loads, the period of its use can reach 5 years and more.

Cheap analogues wear out much faster and it may be necessary to change them in a year.

Normal CPU temperatures:

• operating mode up to 65 degrees;
• in idle up to 45 degrees.

The user can learn about the chip overheating either by external signs (malfunctions, sudden system reboots), or by entering Bios (using the F8 key or others prescribed for your PC). However, in the menu options are not specified temperature under load.

Reference! There are special programs for Windows that determine the degree of CPU heating. Among the free products are Core Temp, CPUID, Speccy, etc. Applications have a user-friendly interface and ease of use.

How to choose thermal paste for the processor

There are several varieties of material used depending on the particular component of the laptop that needs to be cooled.

Liquid metal, is a liquid mass or gaskets.

Advantages: high thermal conductivity, the possibility of applying at sub-zero temperatures.

Disadvantages: high price, aggressive components, conductivity. Do not use on aluminum surfaces, processor covers and other sensitive elements.

Thermal pads, versatile material used on components without increased requirements.

Pros: elasticity, fills the voids of any shape and size, while maintaining a stable thermal conductivity.

Cons: does not provide adequate cooling of the central and graphics processors.

Hot-melt glue, after application forms a compound of high strength.

Advantages: fixes details in places where the corresponding fixture is not provided.

Disadvantages: low thermal conductivity.

Standard thermal grease, it is a commonly used compound with high heat transfer.

Advantages: the result is higher than in the application of thermal pads and hot melt, suitable for all surfaces.

A variety of pasta, with the addition of copper and gold, will cool the most powerful processors.

Disadvantages: requires a minimum space between the chip and the cooling system.

Important! The main parameter of the layer is the conductivity of heat, but it does not always reflect the effectiveness of the application. Composition should be selected, focusing on professional responses in reputable media, as they are formed on the basis of well-conducted tests with reliable results.

The most popular brands that have positive reviews from both experts and users:

• KPT-8;
• AlSil3;
• AlSil5.

These are products of domestic production. Their characteristics: high thermal transfer, durability of the applied layer, reasonable price.

From import options can be noted:

• TITAN;
• ZALMAN.

These materials showed qualitative test results.

Reference! Pastes are available in various packages: syringes, tubes, bags. Syringes are the most convenient: make it easy to dispense and apply the material.

How to apply thermal grease

Preliminary actions will require removal of the old layer of matter. To do this, carefully remove the radiator and cooler from the processor.

The paste may be in the form of a plastic substance, in which case we remove it with the help of an alcohol solution, wetting a rag in it (cotton swabs, sticks, etc.).

Long applied material loses its properties and dries, sticking to the surface. It will require thorough cleaning.

Important! When processing, avoid damage to computer parts, even a slight scratch can distort the temperature and degrade the elements.

An effective, but time-consuming method is an eraser. She needs to clean the surfaces of particles to shine. To facilitate the task, the radiator can be processed with other objects (wooden lath, etc., but without sharp objects).

Attention! When using gum on the processor, the component remains in the motherboard connector to avoid breakage.

We proceed to the application of a new layer. We follow the rules:

1. The material is taken in a minimal amount (approximately with a match head), less for a video card chip (no more than 1 gram).
2. Apply evenly over the entire surface, observing the same thickness of the paste.
3. We process in such a way that the material lays as thin as possible.

No passes are allowed, the coating must be solid.

Following the recommendations will ensure maximum contact surface and a high degree of cooling.

Attention! One-time PC prevention will require one thermal pad and up to 2 grams of thermal paste.

We talked in detail about the features of thermally conductive paste, its scope and application methods.