How to Apply Thermal Grease to Chip
Thermal grease, or thermal paste, is a thermal interface aid that improves the function of your heatsink and can help your computer processor cool more efficiently. The heatsink is the fan and cooling mechanism that attaches to the processor chip on your motherboard. Thermal interface aids are installed between the heatsink and the main processor to help the heatsink move heat away from the processor chip. Installing thermal grease is easy to do in just a few simple steps.
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Things You'll Need
- Single-use tube of thermal grease (preferably silver or aluminum)
- Business card or other stiff cardstock material
Instructions
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1
Shut down your computer and unplug it.
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2
Open the case by removing the side panel that gives you access to the inside hardware. The access hatch may be on the left or right side of the computer case. Look for a latch or quick release that might let you easily remove and reseat the case hatch.
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3
Touch something metal to discharge any static buildup. Flip the latch on your heatsink to dislodge it. The heatsink is likely a big chunk of metal and a fan that is attached on top of the main processor, a shiny square located on the motherboard. The motherboard is the main chip, usually the largest in a computer system. Carefully remove the unlatched heatsink by unhooking the rest of the mechanism from the fastener hooks. Remember the direction your heatsink is facing when you take it off. This will help you get it back on later.
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4
Dispense a dab of thermal grease about the size of a pea directly in the center of your processor chip. Use a business card to evenly smooth the thermal grease across the surface of the processor.
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5
Reseat the heatsink, align it with its seating hooks, and latch back into place. Close the computer case, plug the computer back in and reboot the computer.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a temperature-monitoring program such as Speedfan to access your computer's temperature sensors and fan controls.
Always unplug your computer before opening the case or you risk electrocuting yourself.
