2006-08-09 04:14:47 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
To summarize, it is not absolutely essential, but I mean it costs like 5 dollars so why not go ahead and use it just to be safe.
2006-08-10 18:31:38 · answer #1 · answered by mysticman44 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have heard about Santa Clause, Bigfoot, and King Kong. Seriously, the paste improves the heat transfer from the CPU to the heat sink or cooling fan. Maybe great efficiency is not a problem (but the computer will work better if you put it back together and use a fan). You can slide by, but DON'T.
2006-08-09 11:21:55 · answer #2 · answered by CJB 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thermal paste is essential. The surface of the processor and the surface of the heatsink are not completely perfectly smooth, the paste fills in these imperfections and ensures the two surfaces touch completely.
If you don't use it the life of your processor may be decreased as it will run hotter. OR the fan will run faster trying to keep it cool - faster fan - MORE NOISE!
2006-08-09 14:13:01 · answer #3 · answered by Publicist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not absolutely necessary I suppose. Why take the chance though? Electronics and too much heat don't mesh. Thermal paste does make processors cooler.
Oh yeah, get Arctic Silver.
2006-08-09 11:19:33 · answer #4 · answered by Brian M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't essential but if you have it then I'd use it as it helps to distribute the cool air over the surface of the CPU. My current PC (2.66ghz) is and has been running fine with no thermal paste.
2006-08-09 11:19:27 · answer #5 · answered by jhawcroft 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh yes! you must use thermal paste when you seat the fan. .I recently had to replace my fan..knew NOTHING about thermal paste...So didnt use it! Boy bad mistake..computer kept overheating....I finally did some research and decided to try the paste....Never had the problem again! It is necessary to reduce the amount of heat generated by using programs..such as Virus scan which uses alot of energy to run...Try using MOTHERBOARD MONITOR found at http://mbm.livewiredev.com/ It will let you know your heat temp...
2006-08-09 11:24:49 · answer #6 · answered by StyxGroupi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is absolutely necessary
the metal surface of the cpu and the metal surface under the heatsink aren't mirror smooth...and those micro ridges hinder heat transfer from the cpu to the heatsink. you can badly damage a cpu this way and it is always reccomended to use thermalpaste (esp since it comes free w/ the heatsink).
2006-08-09 13:43:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope that is only if you want. It is not a vital requirement.
I did not use thermal paste for mine and my CPU works perfectly well.
No use for it.
2006-08-09 11:18:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
absolutely.
they need it so that the heat transfers evenly from the processor to the heatsink. Without it, you can get hot spotso on your processor and end up frying it.
2006-08-09 11:19:29 · answer #9 · answered by zeropointe01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can get away with not using it on Intel Processors. But not on AMD processors. Intel processors will just slow down if they get hot. AMD processors will burn up or just shut down.
2006-08-09 18:44:56 · answer #10 · answered by jwbproductions 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋