Care for the computer: thermal paste for the processor

The thermal paste for the processor consists of a substance with a high thermal conductivity and acts as a heat conductor when the cooling system is not connected to the processor chip.

The basis of the thermal paste is a liquid silicone with additives of oxides of various metals. Cheaper options contain zinc oxide. In expensive thermal grease can add silver oxide.

Outwardly the thermal paste resembles a liquid toothpaste or cream, usually white or light gray in color. In retail trade is sold in tubes or syringes for 1-2 grams.

Sooner or later, every computer owner has to deal with the situation when you need to replace the thermal paste on the processor. Usually this situation is preceded by the following symptoms:

• There was a strong fan noise in the CPU cooling system. During the operation of "weighty" applications, the noise increases.
• The system starts to "brake" and "hang".
• On some computer models, overheating of the processor results in the system being shut down and rebooted.

In addition, the computer should be periodically cleaned of dust and dirt, not only from the outside, but also inside. In this case, without waiting for the appearance of the above signs, the thermal paste can also be replaced.

Care of the computer, disassembly, cleaning and replacement of the working parts of the system unit is performed with the same simplicity as maintenance of an ordinary bicycle. Therefore, you can replace thermal grease at home, with your own hands. This requires a screwdriver, the paste itself, a light room and a little effort.

Thermo-paste for the processor is sold in almost any computer store or in the accessories department for office equipment. Due to the nondiness of the package, it is difficult to detect on the counter, so you should contact the seller.

Before disassembling the system unit, it is necessary to remove clothing made from materials that accumulate static voltage, since they will have to come into contact with the processor. Static discharge can damage the chip. It is recommended to sit next to the battery or pipes of the heating system, and periodically touch them, taking off an electric charge, before you take the processor.

The system unit must be disconnected from the network and from other devices. Then, unscrewing the screws, remove the cover to gain access to the cooler that cools the processor.

From the fan of the cooler there are feeding wires. They must be disconnected from the motherboard.

If the processor manufacturer is Intel, then in order to remove the radiator, it is necessary to turn in the indicated direction four fastening screws. For AMD processors, just press on the latch and pull it aside.

Removing the cooler, on its lower part you can find a gray or white substance. This is the thermal paste for the processor. The same layer can be seen on the microchip itself.

With a soft cloth or napkin, remove the old paste. It is important that during the cleaning process, the materials used do not leave fibers and stains. The radiator of the cooler and fan should be freed from dust and dirt, and purged with compressed air.

The application of thermal paste on the processor is done in a thin layer, evenly spreading over the surface. There are several ways of applying, but the most correct one is that when there is no air bubbles left after the radiator is installed on the processor, the paste layer will be minimal.

When installing the cooler in place, it is not worth the effort, trying to squeeze out excess thermal paste. This can lead to a malfunction of the motherboard, or deformation of the processor socket. After connecting the power supply to the fan, you must turn on the computer and allow it to work for a while. If it does not turn off, then the radiator is installed correctly, and you can screw the cover of the system unit into place.

To finally make sure that the thermal paste for the processor is replaced qualitatively, you must enter the BIOS. The temperature of the processor should decrease significantly and be 35-36 degrees Celsius.