In a computer, one of the most important factors in performance is cooling.
If your CPU doesnt have enough cooling it will overheat and thermal throttle, reducing your performance.
The most obvious factor in cooling is the cooler itself, however, it isnt theonlyfactor.
Between your CPU and CPU cooler, you also have a layer of thermal paste.
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How is thermal paste supposed to work?
Thermal paste is thermally conductive, allowing for heat transfer between the CPU and cooler.
This liquid metal is a liquid at room temperature, as the name suggests.
Thermal paste generally comes in small syringes for easy software, which gives the user some leeway on technique.
The most commonly advised method to apply thermal paste is the pea method.
The pea method involves applying a roughly pea-sized dot to the centre of the CPU.
This will help to get an even covering and not miss one side or corner.
In the X method, you use an X-shape of thermal paste.
This spreading is usually performed with a small card or something else with a flat edge.
Tip: The main goal of any thermal paste is to have a thin layer with no air bubbles.
