So considering you’ve bought a new CPU or GPU and want to install it into your computer or you are building a PC and looking for a solution on how to apply thermal paste. The application of thermal paste is mandatory between CPU and Cooler to effectively cool down your CPU and GPU. There are multiple ways to apply thermal paste even though many seem to be suitable, but the simplest one known as dot method or one point is most effective. If you are confused about which is paste to choose from, I’ve created a list of best thermal paste to buy.
Note: The thermal paste is for applying on the top side (the plain one) of the CPU. The sole purpose of thermal paste is to fill microscopic gaps between the CPU and Cooler’s surface. Make sure to keep CPU cooler as straight as you can.
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How Much Thermal Paste to Apply
A few things to keep in mind are don’t use too much paste. The recommended amount to apply is equal to pea-size. The next thing is to make sure it is to apply correctly and cover the area that is going to connect cooler. Leaving enough gap on the side of the CPU and your paste is mandatory to make sure when the paste is squeezed by cooler, it doesn’t reach corners.
Method-1: Five Points Thermal Paste
Step-1: Apply the thermal paste on five different points, as shown in the animation below.
Step-2: Make sure everything is in place, for example, bracket and backplate.
Step-3: Now, place the CPU cooler in the right position and tighten the brackets.
That’s it now you may install RAM and other stuff, and you are ready to boot your system.
Method-2: Cross-Application of Thermal Paste
Step-1: Apply the thermal paste like a cross, as shown in the animation below.
Step-2: Everything should be in place, for example, bracket and backplate.
Step-3: Now, place the CPU cooler in the right position and tighten the brackets.
That’s it if you lift the CPU cooler you’ll have to clean the applied paste and apply new.
Method-3: Applying Thermal Paste and Spreading
Step-1: First thing first clean the surface of CPU
Step-2: Now Apply the thermal paste and spread it across the CPU surface is displayed in the animation below.
Step-3: Everything should be in place, for example, bracket and backplate.
Step-4: Now place the CPU cooler in the right position then tighten the brackets.
In case you lift the CPU Cooler removal of paste becomes mandatory, remove it and apply new after cleaning both cooler and surface of CPU.
Method-4: Applying Thermal Paste
Step-1: First of all, make sure the surfaces of the CPU and Cooler are clean.
Step-2: As shown in the animation below, put a small amount (pea-size) of thermal paste on CPU.
Step-3: Make sure everything is in place, for example, bracket and backplate.
Step-4: Now place the CPU cooler in the right position then tighten the brackets of CPU Cooler.
How to Properly Remove Thermal Paste from CPU
Like application process removal of thermal paste also requires attention and care. Follow these steps to properly remove the thermal paste and clean surface of the CPU and cooler.
Step-1: Use a dry cloth to remove as many chunks of paste as you can.
Step-2: Use a cleanser (usually comes with thermal paste) apply it on a cloth.
Step-3: Now softly start cleaning the surface of both CPU and CPU Cooler.
Step-4: Use a dry cloth and make sure no stain remains on the surface.
That’s was a quick way to remove the thermal paste, you can also use a dry cloth and alcohol to remove the thermal paste. In case you don’t have anything wiping off with just dry cloth is a recommendation of experts.
So these were the best way to apply thermal paste that I know of if you have any query or suggestions do share it in the comment section below.
