How to apply thermal grease to a laptop processor: how to choose thermal grease for a processor

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

Why do I need to change thermal grease?

Let's start with the definition. Heat-conducting paste is a material consisting of many components having high ductility and thermal conductivity. Its usual composition is silicone combined with zinc oxide. There may be silver, ceramic and carbon inclusions that increase work efficiency.

The purpose of the application is to increase the contact area between the elements of the laptop. This substance fills the microscopic irregularities (cracks, depressions) of the processor and radiator. The result is improved heat transfer from the computer device to the cooling devices.

In the absence of paste, air gaps may form that prevent heat from being removed. The stability of the chip decreases, it begins to overheat. Sudden reboots of the computer occur, this temporarily reduces the temperature of the processor.

How often should thermal grease be changed?

Over time, thermal grease begins to dry and gradually loses its heat-conducting properties. The plastic layer turns into powder or hardens.

Depreciation period may vary depending on the following conditions:

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

If a high-quality layer was applied, working in a stable temperature environment and at moderate loads, the period of its use can reach 5 years and above.

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

Normal processor temperatures:

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

The user can learn about overheating of the chip either by external signs (malfunctions, sudden system reboots), or by going to Bios (using the F8 key or others prescribed for your PC). However, the menu does not indicate the temperature at load.

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

How to choose thermal grease 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 ability to apply at subzero temperatures.

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

Thermal pads, a universal material used on components without high requirements.

Pros: elasticity, fills voids of all shapes and sizes, while maintaining stable thermal conductivity.

Cons: does not provide adequate cooling for the central and graphic processors.

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

Advantages: fixes parts in places where appropriate fasteners are not provided.

Disadvantages: low thermal conductivity.

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

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

A variety of paste, with the addition of copper and gold, will provide cooling for the most powerful processors.

Disadvantages: minimal space is required between the chip and the cooling system.

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

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

• KPT-8;
• AlSil3;
• AlSil 5.

These are domestic products. Their characteristics: high heat transfer, durability of the applied layer, affordable price.

Of the imported options, it can be noted:

• TITAN;
• ZALMAN.

These materials showed high-quality test results.

Reference! Pastes are available in various packaging: syringes, tubes, bags. Syringes are most convenient: they make it easy to dose and apply material.

How to apply thermal grease

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

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

The long-applied material loses its properties and dries, sticking to the surface. It will require painstaking cleaning.

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

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

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

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

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

Gaps are unacceptable, the coating must be continuous.

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

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

We spoke in detail about the features of heat-conducting paste, its scope and application methods.