How to Apply Thermal Compound to a CPU

Today's computer processors run at extremely high heat. Even with cooling fans, there needs to be a thermal insulation coating between the CPU and the heat sink. Thermal compound is simple to apply and can protect your computer from overheating. There are a variety of types you can choose depending on your computer's heat output. Follow these basic guidelines for applying compound to your computer's CPU.

Things You'll Need

• High-purity isopropyl alcohol
• Lint-free cloth or clean coffee filter
• Spreading device
• Thermal compound

Instructions

1. Turn off your computer. Unplug the computer from its electrical source and remove the cords. Remove the case of the CPU.

2. Find the core of your computer's CPU. Remove it from the heat sink. Wipe off any thermal compound that remains on the CPU and heat sink. Use high-purity isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth and keep your fingers away from the CPU core itself.

3. Squeeze a tiny amount of thermal compound on the CPU core. Avoid getting any of the compound on anything else. You only need a spot of compound about half the size of a grain of rice.

4. Spread the thermal compound with a razor blade or a credit card. Both of these have a straight edge and can help you get an even distribution of the thermal compound. Be sure the razorblade or credit card edge is clean before you start.

5. Make sure the layer of silver thermal compound is thin and evenly covers the CPU core. The tiniest gap can spoil the effectiveness of the whole procedure.

6. Look for any loose lint or stray hairs in the thermal compound. Align the CPU core and heat sink properly. Close the case and re-assemble the computer.