How to Apply Xbox Thermal Paste

About Xbox Thermal Paste
If you’re into PC building, you’ve probably heard of thermal paste before. It’s also known as thermal grease, heat paste, or CPU paste, and it’s a must-have for keeping your processor cool.

Thermal paste helps your CPU stay cool by creating an airtight seal between the CPU and the heat sink’s contact plate. This improves the rate of heat transfer between them, which keeps your CPU from overheating and prevents stuttering, blue screens, and random shutdowns. When buying a new CPU, you’ll often find that it has a thin layer of stock thermal paste already applied. However, this kind of paste is not very effective, and enthusiasts often replace it with their preferred brand.

While many people disagree about which brands of thermal paste are best, you can make a logical choice by basing your decision on test results. To do this, a tester puts a certain amount of thermal paste on a computer’s CPU and runs it through a stress test. They then compare the temperature of the CPU before and after running the test to see which brand’s paste is most efficient at transferring heat.

You’ll need to open your Xbox console to apply new thermal paste, so make sure you have the appropriate tools before starting. You’ll need a plastic opening tool to pry up and remove the plastic tab that reinforces the front corner of the Xbox’s lower case. Insert the flat end of the tool between the upper and lower case where they meet at the rear of the side vent opening. Then, use the tool to separate a clip along the rear of the case (the first of several). Continue separating clips as you work your way around the back and remaining sides of the console.