Whether you are using a liquid CPU cooler or a conventional CPU cooler, you may wonder if you need thermal paste. This is a common question for many people, and one that can be confusing.
Applying thermal paste to a CPU cooler
Using a thermal paste on your CPU cooler can be a confusing task. There are several different types of thermal paste available. Each will perform a different function. While the most obvious one is to keep your computer cool, there are other applications as well.
For the most part, it’s important to choose the best quality thermal paste. This will result in a better heat conductivity. If you aren’t sure which type to buy, Tom’s Hardware has tested 90 thermal pastes. They ranked the thermal pastes by their suitability for different tasks.
To apply thermal paste to your CPU, you will need a few items. Most thermal pastes will come in a container similar to a medical syringe. This will allow you to apply the paste in a more controlled manner.
Another good option is to use a plastic finger protector. This will help to spread the thermal paste more evenly. You may also want to use a paper towel to wipe away any excess.
One of the most common ways to apply thermal paste is to squeeze the syringe over your CPU. This method isn’t always the most efficient, but it’s safe.
The other option is to draw a “dot” on the CPU. This will help to spread the thermal paste around the chip. This will also be the most effective method, but it will require more time and effort.
Application of liquid metal to CPU coolers
Using liquid metal is a great way to improve the cooling of your CPU. However, there are a few important things you need to know before applying this material.
First, you’ll need to remove the solder from your CPU’s IHS. Afterward, you’ll need to sand down the IHS flat. You should then cover it with kapton tape. Once the IHS has been covered, you can apply liquid metal. You’ll need to use a very careful brush to apply the metal.
Another thing to keep in mind is the boiling point. Liquid metal has a boiling point of about 1300C. This is much higher than thermal paste. If you apply a single drop of liquid metal in a hot situation, you could end up with an explosion.
Liquid metal is also conductive, though it isn’t as powerful as thermal paste. You can expect up to 73 W/mK of thermal conductivity from the best liquid metal. This means it will dissipate heat more quickly.
The downside is that it can react with aluminum. This means it won’t work with aluminum heat sinks. It can also damage your CPU’s base plate. The other drawback is that it is expensive.
While applying liquid metal isn’t difficult, you will have to use extra precautions. It is recommended for experienced users.
Types of thermal paste
Using the right types of thermal paste for liquid coolers can make your computer perform better. It’s important to learn about the different kinds of thermal paste and choose the best one for your needs. The thermal paste of your choice will be used to transfer heat from your CPU to your liquid cooler.
The different types of thermal paste are based on the material that is used to create it. There are silicone, carbon, and electrically conductive types. The thermal conductivity of these types of thermal pastes can vary, but they are all safe to use.
Silicone-based thermal pastes are an economical option for a budget PC build. They are easy to apply and have good thermal conductivity. You can purchase the paste from your local electronics store or online retailers such as Amazon.
If you’re looking for a more advanced thermal paste, you may want to consider Noctua’s NT-H1 thermal paste. It’s a high-quality product that has been around for years. It’s easy to apply, has a good thermal conductivity value, and is incredibly reliable. It’s also easy to clean when it’s dry.
Other options include metal-based thermal pastes and liquid metal compounds. These are rare and extremely effective conductors of heat. They also fill in air gaps between the surfaces to help transfer the heat.