You can forget about the time when computer components were relatively cold and costing a simple radiator. Progress in the field of computer technology is developing at an incredible pace: until yesterday no one could have thought what would have to learn how to apply thermal grease to the processor, and today, not only water cooling systems, but even installations operating on liquid nitrogen are used to lower the temperature of productive components .
Unfortunately, at this stage in the development of microelectronics, it is not possible to get rid of heat generation - these are the laws of physics. Therefore, the only option to achieve a compromise between heating and stable operation is to figure out
how to apply thermal grease to the processor and organize an effective cooling system for this component. The industry offers everything necessary for this: paste, radiators, fans, nozzles, etc.
Why do I need thermal paste on the processor
As you know, to remove heat from the surface of the microprocessor, a metal radiator installed on it is used with forced airflow from a small fan. Since the area of the microcircuit is only a few centimeters, it is important to ensure the maximum contact of each part of the surface of the radiator with the chip, which will improve the efficiency of the cooling system.
This can be achieved in two ways - ideally treat both surfaces or place a thin layer of ductile
heat-conducting material between them (thermal interface). Since the second option is simpler and cheaper, it is understandable that it is used. Thus, thermal grease - this is the very material. There are quite a few modifications from various manufacturers, so you can not accurately answer the question: "How much is thermal grease for the processor?" For some, the thermal interface costs a penny, while for others it costs tens of dollars. Often, sites test the effectiveness of a particular solution, so
problems of choice should not arise. We will consider the practical side of the issue - how to apply thermal grease to the processor.
You spoil the porridge with butter ...
So, thermal grease bought. Next, you need to remove the cooling system from the processor and remove it from the socket. Although it is possible to apply to the chip directly on the motherboard - someone is used to it. On the one hand, it is easier to work with the extracted chip, however, the LGA contact system that Intel uses does not like frequent installations.
It is up to the user to decide how best to proceed.
So, how to apply thermal grease to the processor? The computer must be switched off (disconnect the plug from the outlet) and remove the side cover of the case. Next, putting the case on its side, carefully remove the heatsink from the processor. Usually a small screwdriver is enough to pry off the locks. Having removed the cooling system, it is necessary to remove the remnants of the old thermal interface from the surface of the processor and heatsink with dry cotton. Then use a match or other object (if the paste is not in the syringe) to replace the processor. The layer should be as thin as possible, uniformly cover the entire area and not drain down. After that, the system is assembled in reverse order. So simple. We draw attention to some important points:
- the smaller the paste layer, the better - after all, its thermal conductivity is lower than when the microcircuit is in direct contact with the radiator;
- during application, the formation of “mountains and depressions” must be avoided so that an air bag does not turn out;
- most pastes conduct electric current, so they can damage the board or processor when it gets on the contacts;
- dismantling and installation of the cooling system is usually quite simple. The main thing is to do everything without haste, carefully inspecting the structure.