Looking into how to clean thermal paste is a terrific way to get started with computer repair or to pursue a growing interest. After 6 months, it is a recommendation to clean the thermal paste, dry it, and reapply it. The thermal paste aids in the preservation of the heat sink’s cooling effectiveness.
Why clean up old thermal paste?
Thermal paste is a widely used material to improve heat transfer abilities. It prevents the CPU from overheating while your computer or laptop is running. If you are a player, it will affect your gaming experience. It is crucial in resolving slight defects that trap air particles between the processor and the heat sink, forcibly preventing the CPU from cooling effectively. The heat sink keeps the CPU cool by acting as a cooler for the CPU.
The most typical reasons for removing and reapplying thermal paste are old dried-up thermal paste cracking over time or incorrectly applied thermal paste. If you notice an increase in temperature, you must keep an eye on your computer systems. It suggests that the thermal paste has dried out. You must be properly clean and apply a new application of thermal paste. It merely takes a few steps to apply the new thermal paste. The following is a step-by-step method to quickly implement it.
What will I require to clean the thermal paste?
To remove the thermal paste, the following components are mandatory:
- 90 percent or higher isopropyl alcohol. 99 percent Isopropyl evaporates at a substantially faster pace. You can also purchase a gentle thermal paste cleaning product.
- Thermal paste is a necessary component.
- A clean, dry microfiber cloth
- A dust-free working environment
How do I remove the heat sink to clean it?
To begin, remove the graphics card and anything else that is impeding its removal. Remove the heat sink if you are willing to do so. Some motherboards require disassembling, while others may require you to open the handles on both sides of the heat sink to remove it.
Because the thermal paste has dried out, removing the heat sink is difficult. To heat the sink and make contact with the CPU’s surface, use a hairdryer. Then, with a little twist, detach it and lift it out. Don’t use forceful removal unless you’re sure it won’t damage the CPU or its socket. You must gently remove the device while keeping the surrounding environment in mind while maintaining it.
If the thermal paste on the CPU has dried out, you must remove the heat sink’s latch by flipping it over and pulling it straight up. You must be cautious when pulling it out. Disconnect the fan as well to release the CPU’s holding latches.
How do I clean off the CPU effectively?
If you want to improve CPU performance, you should clean the old thermal paste. You must acquire all of the necessary equipment to clean the thermal paste. You’ll need a dry towel and an organic solution to quickly clean it up while thoroughly removing it.
- Begin by wiping the CPU surface with a dry cloth. It may aid in the removal of loose thermal paste. Don’t use a paper towel because it may leave coarse fibre residues on the CPU.
- Use a suitable dry microfiber cloth to assist in preventing impurities from readily washing off the CPU. In other circumstances, you can use a cotton swab dipped in an organic alcoholic solvent to remove any remaining, difficult-to-remove thermal paste.
- It is normally recommended to use isopropyl alcohol that has a high evaporation quality and leaves no traces. Because it contains silicone oil, the major component of thermal paste, isopropyl alcohol performs better than alcohol.
- Allow the CPU to dry after removing the dried out thermal paste. The amount of time it takes to dry out is primarily determined by the solvent used to remove the thermal paste. However, in general, you may expect to wait around an hour. The thermal paste remover comes with information on how long it takes to thoroughly dry out.
How do I apply the thermal paste to the CPU?
After you’ve thoroughly cleaned it, reapply a fresh coat of thermal paste. When applying, use a thin layer and avoid spreading a thick coating over it. The thick thermal layer may have an impact on the effectiveness of heating it off. You only need to apply it to the thickness of the paper.
- It can be used in a variety of ways on the CPU. You must choose the appropriate technique. There are various options to choose from, including the dot/p, rice grain method, x/cross, Penta dot, buttered toast, and microscopic dots. The temperatures of these approaches vary depending on the thermal paste used on the CPU.
- Most significantly, no method has severe adverse effects unless it is used correctly.
- Using any technique you like, apply the thermal paste to the centre of the CPU. You must apply it evenly all over it. Once the thermal paste has covered the majority of the CPU, you must reinstall the components.
- Without moving the CPU into the socket, lower it immediately into the socket. Pins may flex when being reinstalled properly. Latch it in place and secure it.
- Lower the heat sink on the CPU directly as you apply the thermal paste so that no leaking occurs around its edges; you can also use a dry cloth dipped in an organic solvent to clean it away. After that, flip the latch to secure it into place and reconnect the fan cable.
- Replace all of the taken-out equipment that you previously removed. You may then restart the machine normally.
In conclusion
Our recommendation is to update the thermal paste once every 6 months to maintain the desired CPU performance and reduce heat dissipation. Make sure to apply accurate material to your CPU to keep it from malfunctioning when you’re using your computer. Make sure to use thermal paste that is suitable for your CPU as well.
