Thermal paste might not be at the forefront in discussions about PC components, but it still plays a vital role in ensuring your rig can function at its full potential.
Without thermal paste, your CPU is vulnerable to overheating. This can cause a whole host of performance problems and even shorten your computer’s lifespan.
After my CPU’s thermal paste dried out, I experienced a drastic drop in performance when using virtually any program, despite my rig’s specs being always far above the minimum requirements.
If you too are experiencing similar issues, chances are, it’s time to reapply the thermal paste. In this in-depth guide, we’ll go over exactly how to clean thermal paste off CPU safely and reapply it.
What is Thermal Paste?
Thermal paste is a paste-like substance that is applied to improve heat transfer between the CPU integrated heat spreader (IHS) and the heatsink. Put simply: it helps keep your CPU cool.
The microscopic imperfections of the contact surface as seen below cause air pockets to form between them. This is where the TIM (Thermal Interface Material), or thermal paste as commonly known, comes into play.
It fills up these pockets and creates a uniform heat spreader across the entire surface for an efficient exchange of heat from the CPU to its heatsink.
How to Clean Thermal Paste off CPU
Don’t worry; you won’t have to navigate the confusing realm of your computer’s hardware alone. Here, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.
Get Your Supplies Ready
It’s essential to make sure you have the appropriate supplies at the ready. You’ll need the following:
- 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol. Ideally 99% – it’ll evaporate much quicker. You can also buy a dedicated thermal paste cleaning product.
- Thermal paste. Below, we cover the key factors to consider when buying a thermal paste.
- Some dry microfiber cloths.
You should also make sure your workspace is clean (no lint, dust, or debris).
Remove the CPU Cooler
Unsurprisingly, to access the CPU, you’ll need to remove the CPU cooler first. Here’s how to Remove CPU cooler:
- First, let your computer run for around 15 minutes. This will make it easier to remove the CPU cooler, since it’ll soften up the thermal paste; cold thermal paste is much more likely to keep the CPU and heatsink cemented together.
- Now switch off your computer and unplug everything, including the CPU cooler power cord.
- Loosen the cooler’s bolts/clips – refer to the cooler’s manual if you’re unsure how to do this.
- Gently twist the cooler back and forth until it becomes loose. During this process, make sure not to yank or pull up on the heatsink – this can potentially damage the CPU pins.
- Non-stock coolers with/without 3rd party vendor badges may have different mechanisms, and are usually not that difficult to remove. Refer to their manufacturer’s manual, or a removal video of the same model on YouTube.
- Once loose, the heatsink should easily come off.
Heatsink still stuck after all your efforts? Run your computer again, but this time for around an hour or so.
Clean Thermal Paste off CPU
Here, we’ll go over how to clean thermal paste off your CPU:
- Using a dry microfiber cloth, gently rub at the old thermal paste. This will help to remove any “loose” chunks.
- Apply a small amount of your chosen solution (isopropyl alcohol or thermal paste cleaner) to the microfiber cloth.
- Now, wipe the CPU from top to bottom until there is no visible thermal paste. Do so gently and slowly, otherwise it could potentially damage the CPU.
- Make sure to also wipe around the edges.
- Let the CPU dry. The amount of time it takes to dry will depend on the solution used, but we advise waiting for about an hour. If you used a thermal paste remover, its instructions should say how long you need to wait.
Don’t forget to clean off any thermal paste stuck to the heatsink as well (use the same process).
Reapply Thermal Paste
Next up, you’ll need to reapply the thermal paste. Make sure to read over your thermal paste’s instructions first. Some may require you to take a different approach, so it’s important you check this before applying.
You should also ensure you know how to reattach the CPU cooler.
Now, follow these steps:
- Slowly squeeze out a pea-sized amount of thermal paste directly onto the center of your CPU.
- Carefully place the heatsink back on the CPU. Make sure to place it as flat as possible; this will allow the paste to spread evenly.
- Affix the CPU cooler. Hold it firmly and don’t move it.
Tips for Applying Thermal Paste
If the cooler slips or slides, you’ll have to start over again. This is because once the heatsink moves, it breaks the seal and introduces insulating air pockets, ruining the whole purpose of the thermal paste.
It’s vital to get the amount of paste right – too little, and it won’t sufficiently cover the CPU. Too much, and the paste will likely spill onto the motherboard.
Does Thermal Paste Application Method Matter?
According to a test run by Tech Illiterate, no matter which conventional application method you use – pea, line, X – they all pretty much provide the same result. The key thing is to ensure there’s paste in the center, and you’re not applying too much or too little.
How Long Does Unused Thermal Paste Last?
Most thermal pastes typically have a shelf life of around five years. However, this can vary depending on the brand and production date.
How to Remove Thermal Paste From CPU Without Isopropyl Alcohol?
99% isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated thermal paste cleaner is the most effective. Acetone is a potential alternative if you can’t find either of the above.
However, acetone should never be used if your computer has any plastic components – it will quite literally melt the plastic!
Can I Use Nail Polish Remover to Remove Thermal Paste?
Nail polish remover typically contains contaminants like fragrance oil, making it unsuitable for cleaning thermal paste off your CPU.
Can I Use a Paper Towel Instead of a Microfiber Cloth?
While some recommend using paper towels, we advise against this: virtually all paper towels will leave lint behind. If you don’t have a microfiber cloth on hand, a good alternative is coffee filter paper.
