# How to clean off thermal paste **URL:** https://www.compsmag.com/blogs/how-to-clean-off-thermal-paste/ **Author:** Ayushi Chauhan **Published:** 2022-04-15 **Updated:** 2022-04-15 **Categories:** Blogs **Tags:** Blogs Daily, guiderobert, Guides and Tutorials, guiding12, How To Guide, How To Guides, Tips, Tricks **Reading Time:** 4 min --- This tip is about the how to clean off thermal paste. So read this free guide, How to clean off thermal paste step by step. If you have query related to same article you may contact us. ## How to clean off thermal paste - Guide Thermal paste probably won't be at the forefront of conversations about PC components, but it actually plays an essential role in ensuring your device runs at its maximum capacity. Without thermal paste, your CPU is powerless against overheating. This can cause a number of performance issues and even shorten your PC's life expectancy. After my CPU's thermal paste dried up, I experienced an exceptional drop in performance when using just about any program, regardless of my device's specs being generally way above the basic prerequisites. Assuming you're also experiencing comparative issues, chances are it's an opportunity to reapply the thermal paste. In this top-down advisor, we will examine precisely how to safely clean the CPU thermal paste and apply it again. ## What is thermal paste? Thermal paste is a thermally conductive compound that helps transfer heat; eliminates air gaps that would normally be present between two surfaces to facilitate better transfer. When building computers, we put some thermal paste between the CPU and CPU cooler to ensure that heat is removed from the CPU as effectively as possible. Without the addition of thermal paste, your CPU would overheat and could be damaged. If you still haven't purchased thermal paste for your machine, be sure to check out our guide in the best thermal pastes. ## How to clean thermal paste If you already have a working machine that needs thermal paste to be reapplied, you need to clean out the old thermal paste first. Before starting, make sure the CPU cooler has been removed and you can visually see the thermal paste; it is usually white or gray. If you are installing thermal paste on a new machine and don't need to remove the old paste first, skip to the next section, otherwise continue below for further instructions. Start by wiping the top of the CPU with the microfiber cloth to remove as much thermal paste as possible without any problems. Dip the end of a cotton swab into the alcohol and use it to gently clean the top of the CPU; this will help break up any hardened thermal paste. Optionally, use a plastic putty knife to help remove any stubborn paste. Again, use a clean portion of the microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining thermal paste; the alcohol will evaporate almost immediately on its own. Repeat the above process to remove any old thermal paste that may be stuck to the bottom of your CPU cooler. ## How to apply thermal paste Once you have a clean CPU and CPU cooler (or you've just taken them fresh out of the box), we can start applying thermal paste. The key to applying thermal paste is not to overdo it; you only need to use a pea-sized piece of paste, nothing else would be too much. Double check to ensure you have all the necessary equipment below and start the process. With the CPU already installed on the motherboard, place a small pea-sized drop of thermal paste in the center of the CPU. Then install the CPU cooler while applying top-down pressure on the unit. After the cooler is installed, check the edges of the processor to see if any excess thermal grease has spilled and, if necessary, wipe it off with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. ## Final note I hope you like the guide How to clean off thermal paste. In case if you have any query regards this article you may ask us. Also, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends. --- *End of Article*