Thermal Paste
A thermally conductive compound applied between a CPU/GPU and its cooler to fill microscopic air gaps and improve heat transfer. Essential for proper cooling.
What is thermal paste?
Thermal paste (also called thermal compound or TIM — thermal interface material) is a thermally conductive paste applied between the CPU/GPU heat spreader and the cooler's contact surface. Despite both surfaces appearing smooth, microscopic imperfections create tiny air gaps. Air is a terrible thermal conductor — thermal paste fills these gaps, dramatically improving heat transfer from the processor to the cooler.
Without thermal paste, CPU temperatures can be 15-30°C higher, leading to thermal throttling and reduced performance. Most CPU coolers come with pre-applied paste or a tube included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace thermal paste?
Every 3-5 years, or whenever you remove the cooler. Good thermal paste doesn't dry out quickly, but performance degrades slowly over time. If you notice temperatures creeping up 5-10°C higher than when you first built the PC, reapplying paste is a free fix.