What Is Pc Thermal Paste?

Pc Thermal Paste
The Central Processing Unit, or CPU, is the brain of your computer. It executes operational instructions, sends data to other hardware components and controls your entire system, but it needs to stay cool to operate at peak efficiency. Modern CPUs perform an incredible volume of operations per second, which creates a lot of heat that must be dissipated to avoid overheating. That’s why every PC needs proper cooling, which typically includes the use of a special type of thermal paste.

In short, thermal paste is a goopy substance that helps transfer heat from the metal surfaces of your CPU and the heat sink to the outside air. The best pastes are those that can achieve the highest temperature differential between the processor and the heat sink, but a host of factors can reduce the performance of any given formula.

Most traditional pastes are based on ceramic or metallic particles suspended within a proprietary binder for easy application and spread. Many include an applicator to ensure that the paste is distributed evenly before you clamp the heat sink onto the processor. Some, like Arctic’s new MX-5, are electrically conductive and require extra care to apply since one drop out of place could fry your motherboard or CPU.

A few other ingredients are also added to enhance performance, including carbon nanotubes and boron nitride nanosheets for cutting-edge cooling capabilities. While these materials may be more expensive, they can also offer improved efficiency and a higher quality of life for your hardware.