What is thermal paste? And how is it applied correctly?

Today we bring you a tutorial on thermal paste where we recommend the most interesting models and we will show you how to apply it. In addition to several very interesting tricks. You want to know more? Well don't miss this article on thermal paste market!

What is thermal paste?

The thermal paste, also known as silicone thermal silicone grease, thermal grease or thermal putty, is a heat conductor that can be applied between two or more components that do not have a direct connection (it is widely used). Since it allows heat dissipation preventing these components from overheating each other. Basically composed of zinc oxide allows the conductivity of 0.7 to 0.9 Watts per meter Kelvin (W / m • K), a much lower value compared to the 401 W / m • K that allows copper, even more efficient than silver which has a conductivity level of 2 to 3 W / (m • K).

How to apply the thermal paste in the processor

Now that we know what thermal paste is and its use, let's now understand how to use it in the best way to assemble our processor or graphics card. We will begin by warning that it is not necessary to be a professional to assemble a computer, however basic knowledge of it is required since the bad connection between components can damage or leave the equipment malfunctioning, but with our steps you will not have any problem. As we have already mentioned the thermal paste we will use it to control the heat that may exist between two components, that is, that will allow to optimize the heat inside the equipment, dissipating the “high” temperatures that can be generated when you turn on our computer. That is why we must select the pasta that will really help us meet our goals. There are different types of pasta classified according to their material:• Thermal metal paste: they are the most expensive, however they provide better heat conductivity. Normally its components include silver, gold and copper ... this would be our best option. • Thermal silicone paste: it is of lower quality and its price is lower than metallic paste. Ideal for graphics cards. • Ceramic thermal paste: it is even cheaper but they lose their functionality in a shorter period than silicone or metal. • Liquid thermal paste: It has become quite famous when used to make delidded in Intel Mainstream processors (Skylake, Haswell, Ivy Bridge ...) and when it is removed they are difficult to clean. We recommend the use of non-conductive thermal paste. Why do you use non-conductive? They are really good and avoid any problem with the equipment. For the application two steps are required, prepare the surface and apply the thermal paste.

How to apply thermal paste on the graphics card

In the case of how to apply thermal paste on graphic cards it is exactly the same, although we recommend a small drop in chip and then we will tighten the screws of the heatsink.rnIt is also important to check if the thermal pad (are pads that stick in the memories and feeding phases) are in good condition, if not: cracked, debris or dusty ... it is advisable to change them. Frequently asked questions: Does thermal paste expire? The answer is yes. How often is it advisable to change the thermal paste to my processor or graphics card? Every year it is advisable to change it, although we recommend that a good time is before beginning the summer, to avoid excessive temperatures.