Apply thermal paste - that's how it works
In the event of temperature problems or when installing a cooler, you should reapply the thermal grease. This ensures significantly lower temperatures and therefore also a quiet computer. We show you step by step how this works in this practical tip.
Apply thermal grease correctly - step by step
- First of all, you have to remove a possibly existing cooler so that the processor is exposed.
- Now clean the CPU so that the new thermal paste can be applied cleanly. The best way to do this is with a piece of toilet paper and isopropanol from the pharmacy. Alternatively, you can also heat the paste residues with a hair dryer and then remove them with a piece of paper.
- Make sure that there is no lint or other dirt on the CPU or the underside of the cooler. Grease stains must also be removed.
- Now press a drop of the thermal paste onto the CPU. This drop should be a little smaller than a 1 cent coin.
- Now start spreading the thermal grease with an old credit card or other clean piece of plastic. Make sure that no paste gets on the mainboard and you do not brush the paste too far to the edge. Because of the contact pressure of the cooler, it is pushed a little bit outwards.
- In the end, the thermal paste should be distributed all over the place. If necessary, you can also use more thermal paste if the CPU is still visible.
- If necessary, smooth out any uneven areas. You can take your time here, the paste will not change its consistency.
- When you're done and have applied a flat surface of thermal paste to the processor, it's time to install the cooler. Make sure there are no grease stains on the bottom and press the cooler lightly onto your processor. Now all you have to do is screw it tight.
