How to clean thermal paste off cpu

If you're building a computeryou 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.

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.

How to clean thermal paste off cpu

Last Updated: January 8, Fact Checked. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed , times. Thermal paste is used to conduct heat from your computer's Central Processing Unit CPU to the heatsink, which prevents it from overheating. This paste can dry out over time, and it must be replaced periodically to maintain your computer's condition. Be sure to follow electrostatic discharge precautions before touching the internal components of your computer. This wikiHow will show you how to clean old thermal paste and apply a new coat on your desktop computer. To clean thermal paste, start by shutting down your computer, uplugging all of the cords, and removing the battery if you're working with a laptop. Next, hold the power button down for at least 10 seconds to discharge any residual electricity. Then, before removing the old paste, put on latex gloves and anti-static bracelets to avoid damaging the inside of your computer.

I had a cleaner that came with the paste but I thought I read that isopropyl alcohol can be used, somebody correct me if I'm wrong on that. Clean the thermal paste on the heatsink.

Hjem Diskusjoner Workshop Marked Kringkastninger. Installer Steam. So I wish to remove old thermal paste from the bottom of my fan and top of processor. Is that true? Is rubbing alcohol from the local pharmacy too impure? Second, what is the best method for applying thermal paste?

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 you remove thermal paste depends on how thorough you want to be. And if you want to ground yourself with an anti-static wrist strap, you should do so before you start. Of course, you should also turn off your PC before starting. Each cooler will have its own installation and removal process, but it should involve unplugging its power connector, unclipping or unscrewing the heatsink from the motherboard , and lifting it off.

How to clean thermal paste off cpu

Thermal paste, essential for efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink, degrades over time. Old paste can significantly reduce heat transfer efficiency, leading to overheating and performance issues. Regular cleaning and reapplication are vital for optimal CPU performance. Using the right materials and techniques ensures effective heat transfer and prevents potential damage to your CPU and motherboard.

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Power up the PC and use it as normal. Step 2: Next, install the CPU cooler while applying top-down pressure to the unit. Is it the motherboard, or the components? Also make sure you're grounded because static electricity can kill your cpu. 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. Once the heatsink is properly mounted, grasp the heatsink and very gently twist it slightly clockwise and counterclockwise one time each if possible Just one or two degrees or so. Why lint-free? You will apply thermal compound horizontally across the heatspreader. For this reason, we personally recommend using specialized thermal paste cleaning wipe. He also enjoys making short videos for TikTok and believes everyone reading this should go follow our account immediately. Wait until they have thoroughly air-dried. Re-attach the fans, etc.

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.

Is rubbing alcohol from the local pharmacy too impure? Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues. Hjem Diskusjoner Workshop Marked Kringkastninger. Step 3: Repeat the above process to remove any old thermal paste that may be stuck to the underside of your CPU cooler. But first allow the isopropyl alcohol time to evaporate, checking that there are no pools of liquid or debris before applying. Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games. It still runs fine, and I wish to keep it that way because right now a new processor is simply not economically feasible, and with what I do I could not settle for less than another i7. Join the experts who read Tom's Hardware for the inside track on enthusiast PC tech news — and have for over 25 years. This will ensure the thermal paste is softer and less likely to damage the socket. Skip to Content.