Also known as thermal grease, thermal gel, heat paste, thermal compound, heat sink compound, or CPU grease, thermal paste is simply a substance usually applied between the heat sink and the processor of a CPU. Any air gaps between the heat sink and the processor typically act as heat insulators, making heat transfer transmission difficult.
According to a June 23, 2021 article in “Berkshire Hathaway’s Business Wire,” the global PC market “is expected to grow from $145.73 billion in 2020 to $161.93 billion in 2021 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%”.
If you’re into gaming, you have undoubtedly found yourself worrying about your microprocessor and whether it will overheat if you keep using it. This is an entirely valid concern since every gamer and PC owner has to ensure that their equipment is in excellent shape. Lucky for you, Novum Cool™ can help you achieve this.
What is thermal paste? Is thermal paste necessary for our electronic components? Most PC owners often grapple with these very pertinent questions. Read on for a brief explanation of everything you need to know about thermal paste, including the answers to these questions. Then check out the latest in thermal paste technology at Novum Nano.
Thermal paste is mainly used to eliminate these air gaps to ensure uninterrupted heat transfer from the heat source to the heat sink.
What Exactly Does Thermal Paste Do?
Simply put, the heat sink is a device attached to electronic components to regulate its temperature and prevent overheating by moving heat away from the device.
Air hinders the efficient transfer of heat away from the microprocessor. For a good video from experts on this subject, watch “Everything to Know About Thermalpaste.” The guys at Gamers Nexus do a good job at explaining why the components comprising your thermal paste are fundamental to its effectiveness.
Why Is It Important To Keep Your Processor Cool?
The faster you can move heat away from your electronic equipment; the more efficient and faster your computer will operate.
This is why it is important to invest in an efficient and high-quality thermal paste that will effectively keep your processor cool.
Types of Thermal Pastes
It is important to note not all thermal pastes are the same; they vary depending on the type of compounds used. That said, the various types of thermal pastes include:
- Ceramic: According to experts, ceramic is the most common compound used to make thermal pastes. One of the most significant upsides of ceramic thermal pastes is that they don't contain any metal particles in their matrix. Meaning they don't retain any charge that can potentially harm your processor. Another advantage of ceramic thermal pastes is that they are highly affordable compared to other types of thermal pastes.
- Metal: Since metal is an excellent heat conductor, metal thermal pastes are highly efficient for heat transmission. Besides heat, metal thermal pastes are also ideal for retaining charge and conducting electricity. That said, a metal thermal paste requires you to be highly attentive since, when not appropriately applied, it may come into contact with the metal parts of your microprocessor.
- Silicon: Typically, thermal tapes use silicon thermal paste that you can readily place between the heat sink and the microprocessor.
- Carbon-based: Many experts feel that carbon-based thermal pastes are the best in the market today. These thermal pastes do not conduct electricity and are highly efficient in reducing heat.
How Do You Apply Thermal Paste?
The simplest application method entails placing a tiny drop of thermal paste in the middle of the processor. Once completed, you lower the heat sink onto the processor, and while doing this, ensure that you apply equal pressure to the four corners. This is essential since it provides an even distribution of the thermal paste.
If your thermal paste contains an applicator, it is advisable to use it to spread the paste on the processor evenly. No matter which method you choose, it is important to eliminate any bubbles since they allow air to get in, hindering heat distribution.
How Important Is Thermal Paste?
Thermal paste is highly beneficial for the effective functioning of your PC. Without it, there is no proper heat transmission between the heat sink and the processor, which results in overheating. Consequently, you may also experience random shutdowns and blue screens before your PC completely crashes.
Technological advances are continuing, but experts can already demonstrate that thermal pastes with carbon nanotubes are more efficient when it comes to conducting heat and cooling the processor. The combination of functionalized carbon nanotubes and boron nitride nanosheets produces an even more efficient thermal paste. Applying thermal paste with carbon nanotube and boron nitride nanosheet technology will go a long way in protecting your PC from overheating.
Keep Your Cool With Thermal Paste
To perform at your peak, your PC must perform at its peak, and it can’t do that if it’s overheating at every turn. Applying a thermal paste made with carbon nanotubes and boron nitride nanosheets is a cutting-edge method of keeping everything performing at its best, giving you and your processor an advantage over the other guys.