Is thermal paste to come with Intel CPUs? Yes. It has already been applied to the cooling fan that comes with the CPU. It is not a well-known component, which may cause some users to become frustrated. You might even forego using thermal paste altogether. That, however, will not end well. Before we get into the core of the matter, let us explain why a CPU requires a heat source. This information is rather simple. Instead of the tube of thermal paste you bought, you’re more pleased about the new processor, graphics card, and RAM.
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Best Buying Guide For Does a CPU Come With Thermal Paste?
Thermal paste is pre-applied on coolers, but for PC lovers who wish to attain better temperatures at stock speeds, buying and applying new paste while installing their CPU is a good idea. This is due to the fact that the thermal compound that comes with the cooler is frequently old, having sat on a shelf for months before being purchased. So, while keeping their processor’s temperature low might work, it’s not likely to yield the optimum outcomes.
The central processing unit, or CPU, is a major element in the production of a computer. As a result, you must understand exactly what you require in order to effectively install it. In this case, there is no other option than to use thermal paste.
Thermal Paste and Its Importance
This heat-conductive substance is pre-applied between the heatsink and the item it’s supposed to cool. It’s also known as thermal compound, thermal grease, or conductive grease. It boosts heatsink to CPU conductivity. The heatsink securely transfers the processor’s excess energy away from the machine, where it is pushed out by the fan or another cooling device.
This thermal interface material can also be used between other parts to aid in the system’s temperature control. This results in a significant increase in thermal performance and helps to prevent overheating, extending the CPU’s lifespan. This is why a thermal paste is essential, especially one from a reputable manufacturer like Artic Silver, Noctua, Cooler Master, or Thermal Grizzly.
Thermal Paste Workings
As CPUs can get quite hot, it’s critical to extract heat from them as fast as possible. Furthermore, air is a poor heat conductor, therefore there should be as little air between the CPU and the heat sink as feasible for optimal heat transfer. If you’ve ever poked around inside a computer, you’ll see that the CPU is pressed up against the heat sink. This seal may appear to be adequate to prevent air from entering; yet, even a strong squeeze is insufficient to keep air out.
The contacting plate of the heat sink and the base of the CPU are covered in microscopic grooves and spaces. These spaces allow air between the processor and the heat sink if they are not adequately sealed, lowering the heat transfer efficiency between the two. This is where the use of thermal paste comes into play. Thermal paste is not only a good heat conductor, but it can also get into the little gaps and grooves on the hardware’s surfaces. This provides an airtight seal and speeds up the heat transmission process. The thermal paste will become old and dry over time. Its effectiveness is harmed by the dampness, which allows the CPU to overheat.
Different Thermal Paste Liquid
It’s not surprising that the market for thermal compounds is so competitive because they’re a high-margin item. However, it’s important to realize that the products are not the same. A liquid metal thermal paste’s top temperature limit is 150°C, while some pastes on the market promise to be able to handle temperatures of up to 300°C and even higher.
- Paste Ingredients are included:
- Copper
- Silver
- Graphite
- Carbon nanoparticles
- Zinc oxide
- Silicone oil
- Ceramic
- Aluminum
Buying Guidelines
These are a few things that computer fans should think about before buying a thermal compound that will help them increase their PC’s temperature and performance.
Thermal Conductivity
It’s essential to pick a paste with the right thermal conductivity levels for maximum versatility and ultimate reliability in order to keep your system safe and cool. Each thermal paste has a thermal conductivity rating that indicates how well it transfers heat from the processors to the heatsink. When a paste’s thermal conductivity exceeds the temperature of the components, the paste’s thermal conductivity is lowered even more.
Density and Viscosity
It is necessary to choose the right thermal paste with the appropriate density in order to improve the application process. It will be able to readily slide across the CPU as a result of this. Liquid thermal paste has a lower density than traditional thermal paste, but it’s notoriously difficult to apply.
Thermal Design Power
The thermal design power indicates how much electricity a processor will consume. This can be used as a rough estimate of how hot it will become. A processor with a higher TDP will utilize more power and, as a result, produce a lot more heat. Another factor to consider when selecting the best thermal compound is its ability to withstand the heat generated in order to keep the components safe, cool, and working at their best. The TDP is specified in the CPU cooler specifications.
Cooling Solution
However, with the greatest thermal paste on the market, lowering the temperature of a system is nearly difficult if the cooling solution is ineffective. Users of PCs should ensure that the cooling system they’re utilizing is capable of handling the amount of heat generated by their processor. If that’s the case, the sort of thermal compound you choose won’t make a difference.
Conductive or Non-Conductive
When applying a thermal paste to the processor or other elements of the PC, extreme caution is required because the paste can conduct electricity, resulting in dangerous short circuits. It’s a good idea to use a carbon-based compound that has no electrical conductivity when spreading the compound to avoid short circuits. A low conductivity compound can also be used to prevent shorts even if the paste comes into contact with any electrical components.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does a CPU cooler come with thermal paste?
Nope, you don’t need thermal paste. It assists, but as long as the HSF is doing its job and preventing the CPU cooler from overheating. Furthermore, the Thermal Paste does not conduct heat well, yet it is preferable to air gaps.
Is thermal paste necessary for CPU?
Thermal paste, or some other oily thermal interface substance, is required because it fills up minute flaws that trap air particles between the CPU and the heatsink, preventing the CPU from cooling effectively.
Is too much thermal paste bad?
Thermal paste can behave as an insulator if you use too much of it. In the best case, this will leave the paste useless, and in the worst-case situation, you will risk damaging components due to overheating. Keep in mind that the thermal paste’s sole purpose is to fill in the microscopic gaps between the two components.
