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The CPU cooler is one of the most crucial elements to take into account when trying to keep your computer operating efficiently. Your computer’s central processing unit (CPU) is its brain, and as it analyses data, it produces a lot of heat. If the heat is not adequately dissipated, your CPU could overheat, resulting in performance problems and possible computer damage. Thermal paste, which is an essential part of a CPU cooler and is essential in moving heat from the CPU to the cooler, is another important component. This article will look at the value of thermal paste, various CPU cooler types, and whether thermal paste is included with CPU coolers.
What is thermal paste?
Thermal compound or thermal grease are other names that are commonly used to refer to thermal paste. Its purpose is to fill the incredibly tight spaces between the central processing unit (CPU) and the cooler. When your central processing unit is operating, it generates heat, which, in order to keep the CPU in good condition, needs to be removed. The use of thermal paste on the central processing unit (CPU) helps to prevent the CPU from catching fire by ensuring that heat is transferred efficiently from the CPU to the cooler.
Metal oxides and silicone are two of the components that can be found in thermal paste, along with a number of additional components. The specific components that make up thermal paste can differ from one manufacturer to the next, but the end product is always the same: a substance that can fill in the spaces that exist between the CPU and the cooler.
Types of CPU coolers
Air coolers:
The majority of CPU fans are made of air. Heat is moved away from the CPU with the help of a heatsink and a fan. Most heatsinks are made of metal or copper, and their job is to move heat away from the CPU and into the air around it. The fan then moves air over the heatsink to help get rid of the heat.
People like air coolers because they are easy to set up and don’t cost a lot. But they can be pretty big and may not fit in every computer case. Also, they might not be as good as liquid fans at cooling high-end CPUs.
Liquid coolers:
Liquid coolers use a closed-loop system to move water around the CPU and get rid of heat. Most of the time, the cooler is a mix of water and a special fluid that moves heat well. It moves through tubes that are attached to a heater. Most of the time, the radiator is connected to the back or top of the computer box and uses fans to get rid of heat.
Liquid coolers work better than air fans most of the time, especially for high-end CPUs that make a lot of heat. They are also generally quieter than air coolers because the fans don’t have to turn as fast to cool the CPU. Liquid coolers, on the other hand, can be more expensive and harder to set up than air coolers.
Hybrid coolers:
Hybrid coolers use both air cooling and liquid cooling in some way. Most of the time, they use a big heatsink with a fan and a smaller loop of liquid cooling that moves water around the CPU. This means that they can cool effectively while still being fairly quiet.
Hybrid coolers can be a good choice for people who want the cooling performance of a liquid cooler but don’t want to deal with the complexity and cost of a full liquid cooling system.
Passive coolers:
To cool the CPU, passive coolers do not make use of any fans or liquid coolant of any kind. They rely, rather, on a sizable heatsink that has been engineered to get rid of heat through the process of convection. Because they do not contain any moving parts, passive coolers typically have a very low operating volume. However, high-end central processing units (CPUs) that produce a lot of heat may render them ineffective.
All-in-one (AIO) coolers:
AIO coolers are like liquid coolers, but they come already put together and are made to be easy to set up. Most of the time, they are one unit that has a heater, a pump, and a fan. AIO coolers can be a good choice for people who want the efficiency of a liquid cooler but don’t want to deal with the complexity of a custom liquid cooling system.
Custom liquid cooling:
Custom liquid cooling involves building a custom cooling loop using separate components, such as a pump, reservoir, radiator, and tubing. Custom liquid cooling can provide the best cooling performance, but it is also the most complex and expensive option. It is typically only recommended for advanced users who are willing to invest the time and effort required to build and maintain a custom loop.
Does thermal paste come with CPU coolers?
How to answer this question varies on what CPU cooler you buy. Some CPU fans already have thermal paste on them, but others don’t. If the thermal paste doesn’t come with your CPU cooler, you’ll have to buy it separately.
If you do need to buy thermal paste individually, you can choose from a lot of different brands. Some people like to use expensive thermal paste, while others are happy with something less expensive. It’s important to remember that the type of thermal paste you use can affect how hot your CPU gets, so it’s worth doing some study to find the best option for your needs.
When it comes to thermal paste, using the thermal paste that comes with your CPU cooler has both pros and cons. One benefit is that it is easy to use because you don’t have to buy thermal paste separately. Also, the thermal paste that comes with your CPU cooler is probably of high quality, since makers want to make sure that their coolers work well.
But there are also some possible problems with using the thermal paste that came with the computer. For one, the thermal paste that comes with the CPU cooler or CPU may not be the best choice for your computer. Some people also like to use thermal paste that they bought elsewhere because they think it works better for cooling.
Whether or not you use the thermal paste that came with the fan will depend on your wants and preferences. If you don’t care too much about getting the most speed out of your CPU, the thermal paste that comes with it should be enough. But if you want the best cooling possible, you might want to buy thermal paste that isn’t made by the manufacturer.
How to apply thermal paste
If you do need to apply thermal paste to your CPU cooler, it’s important to do it correctly to ensure optimal cooling performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying thermal paste:
Clean the CPU and cooler surfaces:
Before applying thermal paste, you’ll need to make sure that both the CPU and the cooler surfaces are clean. Use a lint-free cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to remove any debris or residue from the surfaces.
Apply thermal paste:
Once the surfaces are clean, it’s time to apply the thermal paste. There are a few different methods you can use, but one of the most common is the “pea-sized drop” method. Simply place a small, pea-sized drop of thermal paste in the center of the CPU.
Spread the thermal paste:
Once you’ve applied the thermal paste, you’ll need to spread it evenly over the surface of the CPU. You can use a plastic spreader or a clean fingertip to do this. The goal is to create a thin, even layer of thermal paste that covers the entire surface of the CPU.
Attach the cooler:
Once the thermal paste is applied, you can attach the cooler to the CPU. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as the installation process can vary depending on the type of CPU cooler you have.
Test the system:
Once the cooler is attached, it’s a good idea to run some stress tests on your system to make sure that your CPU is cooling properly. You can use software like Prime95 or AIDA64 to stress test your CPU and monitor your temperatures.
It’s worth noting that there are some common mistakes that people make when applying thermal paste. One of the most common is using too much thermal paste. Remember, the goal is to create a thin, even layer, so you don’t need to use a lot of thermal paste. Another common mistake is applying the thermal paste unevenly. Be sure to spread the thermal paste evenly over the surface of the CPU to ensure optimal cooling performance.
Conclusion
Thermal paste is an essential component of CPU cooling. Whether you’re using an air cooler, liquid cooler, or hybrid cooler, thermal paste plays a critical role in transferring heat from your CPU to your cooler. While some CPU coolers come with thermal paste pre-applied, others do not, so it’s important to know whether you need to purchase it separately. If you do need to apply thermal paste, be sure to follow best practices to ensure optimal cooling performance. With the right CPU cooler and thermal paste, you can keep your computer running smoothly for years to come.
