Use thermal paste or not?

[Craig234]

I didn't think this was a question until I saw the PC Gamer build guide, which doesn't even mention using thermal paste on the CPU, and so it became something to double check.

 

[LTC8K6]

There's no choice but to use thermal paste.

Most likely, the fan or water block specified already has thermal paste on it, so you don't need to put it on yourself.

 

[Ken g6]

Well there used to be thermal pads but I haven't seen those in a long time.

Thermal paste might also be in a small plastic tube.

 

[maddogchen]

was the guide the one with the Corsair H90? That already has thermal paste pre-applied.

 

[Blain]

I didn't think this was a question until I saw the PC Gamer build guide, which doesn't even mention using thermal paste on the CPU, and so it became something to double check.

The author of that article should update it, in order to clarify that some sort of TIM should be used.

 

[OlyAR15]

If it was the Intel HSF, it already has thermal paste applied.

Also, the only PC Gamer build guide I could find was this:

http://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc-a-beginners-guide/

which does show the thermal paste being applied.

 

[Craig234]

This is the guide from the February 2016 issue, and it's not specific to any CPU, you can't even tell what CPU it used. It's just general 'hold the CPU by the edges' text.

 

[LTC8K6]

http://www.pcgamer.com/pc-build-guide-high-end-gaming-pc/

http://www.pcgamer.com/best-gaming-pc/

http://www.pcgamer.com/pc-build-guide-budget-gaming-pc/

All of those specify everything. The coolers already have TIM on them, or come with a tube of it.

 

[Craig234]

I checked your third link, don't see it - looks like just a parts list, this was a step by step guide for any parts.

 

[sub-80]

There is thermal paste on cpu cooler or you need to add thermal paste.

 

[LTC8K6]

I checked your third link, don't see it - looks like just a parts list, this was a step by step guide for any parts.

It doesn't matter. Not sure why you keep asking.

You must use TIM. Period.

Either what is already on the cooler when it's new, or from a tube of TIM provided with the cooler, or from a tube of TIM you buy yourself.

Here are a couple of stock coolers provided by AMD and Intel. You can see that both coolers come with the TIM paste already applied for you.

http://techgage.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/AMD-Wraith-CPU-Cooler-Top-View.jpg

http://www.legitreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/lga1150-heatsink-G3258-645x321.jpg

Here is a popular aftermarket cooler. You can see from the packaging that it comes with a tube of TIM.

http://noctua.at/media/catalog/prod...5d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/n/o/noctua_nh_u12s_5.jpg

Here is a popular liquid cooler. You can see that the TIM has already been applied for you.

http://img.hexus.net/v2/cooling/Corsair/H60/H60-3-big.jpg

Etc.

 

[skipsneeky2]

Mayonnaise is a good stop gag measure for a day or 2 till you could put something proper in.Buddy of mine got lucky using a application of it for over a week.I wouldn't consider it on a gpu though.

Speaking of thermal paste,i need a new tube of it.The local RadioShaft has some but i may just order some online.

 

[Craig234]

It doesn't matter. Not sure why you keep asking.

I didn't ask any question there. The topic there was a specific link's content.

 

[MongGrel]

At least take the plastic off the bottom of the cooler at least, but I imagine you're well aware of that by now.

Still just keep a tube of NT-H1 around myself, I have no idea why people even use Artic Silver these days, other than it had great reviews in the 90's.

But I guess there are others that do better, but I still like NT-H1.

 

[LTC8K6]

I didn't ask any question there. The topic there was a specific link's content.

Which you never actually linked or posted so we could verify...

Use thermal paste or not?

Looked like a question to me initially...with lots of follow ups...

 

[Craig234]

Which you never actually linked or posted so we could verify...

I meant your third link.

Looked like a question to me initially...with lots of follow ups...

Initially it was, the later post was a response to your post. But thanks for the post.

 

[Craig234]

Still just keep a tube of NT-H1 around myself, I have no idea why people even use Artic Silver these days, other than it had great reviews in the 90's.

But I guess there are others that do better, but I still like NT-H1.

I have no idea which one to use, you nailed it on 'Arctic Silver is the name I recognize from years ago'.

 

[shortylickens]

Thermal grease is better than thermal paste or glue.
You wont get the heatsink off if you use paste or glue.

Oh, and if you dont upgrade for several years I recommend pulling the heatsink off, cleaning it up, and putting on fresh goop. Maybe once every two years.