Thermal paste cpu heatsink

Types of thermal paste CPU heat sinks

• Organic-based:

  Organic-based thermal pastes comprise various materials, including liquid polymers and wax-like substances. They offer excellent insulation properties and are primarily used in electronic applications. Organic-based compounds effectively prevent heat damage, improve device longevity, and ensure safe operating temperatures. They minimize the risk of overheating by enhancing heat dissipation. This contributes to electronic devices lifespan, making organic-based thermal pastes ideal for preserving electronic components integrity through efficient heat management.

• Metallic-based:

  Metallic thermal pastes, made of metal, provide superior thermal conductivity between CPU and cooler. They quickly transfer heat from the CPU to the heatsink, keeping the CPU at lower temperatures, even under heavy loads. However, metallic pastes may electrically conduct, so careful installation is necessary to avoid short circuits on circuit boards.

• Ceramic-based:

  Ceramic thermal pastes use metal oxides like zinc oxide or aluminum oxide suspended in silicone oil. They have decent thermal conductivity and insulation properties. Ceramic pastes are safe to use because they are non-conductive and do not pose a risk of short circuits. They can be used on CPUs and GPUs and are suitable for systems with no overclocking or high-power demands.

• Liquid metal:

  Liquid metal pastes, often gallium-based, have extremely high thermal conductivity compared to other types. They provide efficient heat transfer for high-performance systems. Caution is needed while applying liquid metal because it is electrically conductive and can leak.

Functions & Features of Thermal Paste for CPU Heatsink

Thermal pastes for CPU heatsinks enable the effective transfer of heat from the CPU to the heatsink, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance of the computer. Different types of thermal pastes offer varying conductivity levels that affect the paste's overall effectiveness.

According to industry standards, paste thickness should be around 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. Pastes that are too thin or too thick can lead to improper application and might affect the thermal interface material (TIM) performance. Users can follow these five simple steps to apply the right amount of CPU thermal paste:

1. Clean the surfaces of the CPU die and heatsink with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
2. Squeeze a small bead of thermal paste onto the center of the CPU.
3. If using liquid metal, apply a few drops and spread it evenly with a plastic applicator.
4. Mount the heatsink onto the CPU without twisting it, and the pressure will spread the paste evenly.

Besides, thermal pastes come with different features depending on the requirement and use cases. The features might also determine the price and cost-effectiveness of the paste. Some of the most common features of thermal pastes include:

• Conductivity : This feature shows how well the thermal compound can transfer heat. Higher conductivity means better heat transfer and more efficient CPU cooling.
• Viscosity: It refers to the thickness or fluidity of the paste, which indicates the ease of application and stability of the thermal interface material (TIM) over time.
• Pumpout Resistance: It means the ability of the thermal paste to stay in its place around the CPU socket without moving or spreading due to heat and pressure from the CPU cooler.
• Cure Time: Thermals pastes do need time to fully cure and reach their maximum performance.
• Compatibility: It means the ability of the thermal paste to work well with other materials and components used in the CPU cooling system.
• Temperature Range: Thermal pastes can work under different temperatures depending on the working environment.

Applications of Thermal Paste

Thermal pastes or compounds can be used in a variety of applications, in addition to their usual function of reducing the temperature of CPUs and GPUs.

• Electronic Devices

  Timely heat dissipation is critical for high-performing computers and laptops, tablets, and smartphones with compact circuits and limited internal space. All these devices use thermal paste to conduct heat away from sensitive components like power transistors, graphics chips, CPUs, and GPUs to their heatsinks. Using thermal paste on a heatsink prevents the device from overheating and bottlenecking performance.

• Gaming Consoles and Handhelds

  Game consoles use pastes with good thermal conductivity to lower the temperature of their CPUs, GPUs, and other components during gameplay and when the device is idle. Handheld gaming devices also use thermal pastes to prevent throttling and maintain optimal performance.

• Automotive Industry

  Cars with modern electric powertrains use thermal pastes to manage the temperatures of their electric powertrains, battery packs, and electric motors. Some pastes are great for managing the temperatures of component in traditional combustion engines. They help keep engine parts like the cylinder head and oil pans at safe operating temperatures.

• Aerospace and Avionics

  Thermal pastes are used to shield the sensitive electronic components of spacecraft and aircraft from extreme heat. They fill the gaps between components and their heatsinks to ensure safe operation in exceptionally hot engine areas or when exposed to direct sunlight in outer space.

• Heavy Equipment and Machinery

  Thermal pastes can be found in the assembly of factory machines, construction equipment, and mining tools. They dissipate heat from high-performing engine parts, protecting them from premature wear and tear. Using thermal paste on machinery helps improve their reliability, decrease the frequency of repairs, and extend their lifespan.

• Overclocked Systems

  Thermal pastes with high thermal conductivity are ideal for systems with CPUs or GPUs that run faster than their standard speeds. They fill the gap between the processor and heatsink to transfer heat in overclocked systems. Using an efficient thermal paste on overclocked systems helps prevent overheating and system crashes.

• LED and Lighting Fixtures

  LEDs can generate a lot of heat, so thermal compounds should be used to extend the life of high-power LEDs and lighting fixtures. The paste helps move heat away from the LED chips to keep them within safe temperature levels.

• Industrial Applications

  Industrial-grade thermal pastes can be found in a range of applications, from consumer electronics to complex aerospace systems. They can be used for both electronic and non-electronic components, providing users with a versatile solution for heat management in industrial settings.

How to choose thermal paste CPU heatsink

Selecting the right thermal paste is essential for effective CPU cooling. Here are some factors to consider when choosing thermal paste.

• Thermal conductivity: The higher the thermal conductivity of the thermal paste, the more efficient it will be at transferring heat away from the CPU. When choosing thermal paste, prioritize the ones with the highest thermal conductivity.
• Viscosity: The viscosity level of the thermal paste will affect its application and spreadability. High viscosity pastes have thicker consistencies and will stay in one place. Low viscosity pastes are more fluid and spread out easily. Choose a paste with a viscosity level that is appropriate for the application. It should be fluid enough to spread evenly but stay in place without oozing out.
• Drying time: Consider the time it will take for the thermal paste to dry up after the application. This is important especially when applying a new paste after removing an old one. Choose a paste with a quick curing time to reduce the time the CPU runs without optimal cooling. However, if there is enough time and waiting is not an issue, choose any thermal paste. Just ensure that there is no overheating while waiting for the paste to cure.
• Working temperature: The working temperature range of thermal paste indicates how well it can perform under extreme conditions. Check the working temperature range of the paste and ensure it is suitable for the CPU's operating temperatures.
• Ease of cleaning: After using thermal paste, cleaning it off the CPU can be very tricky. Some pastes dry up and become harder to remove. To make the removal process easier, choose thermal pastes that are designed to be easy to clean. This may involve using water-based formulas or pastes with low adhesion properties. Also, use isopropyl alcohol for the cleanup process. It easily dissolves thermal paste, making removal effortless.

Q&A

Q: Can I use any thermal paste for my CPU?

A: While it's possible to use most thermal pastes for a CPU, some specific pastes are designed for CPUs and offer better performance and conductivity. Always check the compatibility of the thermal paste with your CPU.

Q: How often should I replace my thermal paste?

A: The frequency of thermal paste replacement depends on the type of paste used and the system's operating temperature. Generally, it's recommended to replace the paste every 2-3 years.

Q: Does more thermal paste mean better cooling?

A: No, more thermal paste doesn't mean better cooling. Applying too much paste can create an insulating layer that traps heat instead of conducting it away, leading to higher temperatures.

Q: Can I use thermal paste on other electronics?

A: Yes, thermal paste can be used on other electronic components like GPUs, RAM modules with heat spreaders, and even some laptops' internal chips. It helps to dissipate heat from these parts.

Q: Is it difficult to apply thermal paste?

A: Applying thermal paste is a relatively simple process that does not require special skills or tools. Most tubes come with a built-in applicator nozzle for easy application.