How important is thermal paste?

Question

I just got parts for a new computer (CPU, mobo, etc.) But neglected to get any thermal paste. How important is it it to have thermal paste?

Answer 1

Very important.

The top of the processor and the bottom of the heatsink are not perfectly flat. So when they are pressed together you will get a few contact points, but mostly an air gap.

The thermal paste will fill up that gap and has a much better thermal conductivity than air.


Note, the thermal conductivity of thermal paste is better than air, but not that great. You should use just enough to fill the small air gap between the CPU and heatsink. Excess paste makes it worse.

Answer 2

This has already been answered, but i thought I would put in my two cents worth. Although the top of the CPU, and the bottom of the heatsink look smooth, there are actually tons of tiny divets and scratches. The Thermal paste fills in these holes and makes a solid connection between the two, and allows the heat to move away from the processor better. If the fan is simply getting noiser as in a fan moving fast, then yes, it is probably running hotter than normal and so the fan has to spin faster to try to cool it. If you hear or feal any vibration, or hear a buzzing sound it could be the fan is dying.

Answer 3

The cooling fan normally comes with thermal tape already on the heat sink base where it attaches to the processor.
You shouldn't need thermal paste unless you have to remove the fan from the processor for some reason.
If you have to use thermal paste, be sure to apply it sparingly.
Too much can interfere with the heat transfer from processor to the the heat sink.
See the support page at www.arcticsilver.com for instructions on applying thermal paste.

Answer 4

That really depends on the CPU. Most come with a little packet of the goo in the same box as the chip itself. Check your packaging; there should be a little pillow of thermally conductive goo to "attach" the CPU to the heatsink.

On most everything faster than a Pentium-III; the need to move the heat out is pretty durned important.

And, it really does need to be the stuff formulated for the task; other sealers and glues will dry out and form an insulating gasket instead, quickly turning your $100+ chip into e-waste.

Answer 5

Thermal grease helps to transfer heat from the processor to the base otf the fan heat sink. I would say its pretty important.

Answer 6

It is as important as the heat sink. Without the thermal paste the heat will not transfer correctly and your processor will will overheat and may burn up.

Answer 7

If you dont put thermal paste (or tape) on, if you dont put enough or you put too much, you'll have a high chance of frying your processor and it won't be covered under warranty. They can tell if you've abused it. (That's what they'll call it). If you wish to protect your invesment, DO NOT turn your unit on!!!!! Immediately take it to a good hs or cllege kid, give em a pizza and a beverage and ask them to fix it.

Answer 8

Very Important If You Want To Keep Your Processor !

Answer 9

Most come with preinstalled but if it doesn't go get some. It will surely fry if you don't use it.