[ad_1]
Thermal grease is applied to CPUs before attaching a heat sink to draw heat away from the chip. Different types have varying levels of thermal conductivity, with silver-based being the most conductive but potentially dangerous. Users should follow manufacturer’s directions carefully and not mix different types.
Thermal grease is applied to the surface of a central processing unit (CPU), the main chip in a computer, before attaching a heat sink. A heat sink helps lower the temperature of the chip by dispersing heat. Grease creates maximum surface-to-surface conductivity to draw heat away from the CPU and into the heat sink. Without it, imperfections in the CPU wafer surface and heat sink would allow air pockets, reducing the heat sink’s effectiveness, leading to overheating, errors, and possible failure.
There are several types of thermal grease, each with its own level of thermal conductivity. People who put extra workload on the CPU, such as gamers and overclockers, may be more interested in getting a highly efficient compound.
Thermal tape is the least complicated and least expensive interface; however, it is also the least effective. It is not recommended for most computers.
Thermal grease pads are often included in retail CPU packages that include a heat sink and fan. The swab is commonly gray in color with a protective wrapper that should not be touched or stained once the wrapper is removed. It melts with heat, conforming to the CPU and heatsink surfaces, then stiffens as it cools. Tablets are sufficient but not considered exceptional solutions. Anyone considering replacing the thermal compound in their CPU should read up on their computer warranty. Some manufacturers require customers to use the materials provided to avoid voiding the CPU warranty.
The silicon zinc grease is a white paste that usually comes in a tube. It is not itself a conductor of heat, but fills potential spaces between surfaces, providing a satisfactory interface.
Ceramic-based thermal compounds include particles of materials such as aluminum oxide. While ceramic paste is usually considered to be of average quality, one popular brand outperformed silver-based greases in several independent tests. This formula contains 5 sub-micron particle shapes to better fill the microscopic valleys in the CPU chip for increased thermal transfer. Maximum performance is achieved after several cycles of normal use, using the system as needed and then shutting it down to cool it down. Once this period has elapsed, the computer can be left on permanently if the user wishes. The advantage of ceramic thermal grease over silver-based grease is that ceramic grease is not electrically conductive.
Silver-based thermal grease contains highly conductive metal particles. It is excellent at conducting heat but can also conduct electricity. If accidentally applied to CPU pins or motherboard circuitry, it can cause an electrical short, so caution is advised when applying metal-based compounds. Used correctly, however, it is generally considered one of the best thermal compound options.
Regardless of the type of thermal grease used, users should follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Different types must not be mixed. Whenever a heat sink is removed from a CPU, both surfaces must be cleaned thoroughly and regreased before reinstalling the parts. Denatured alcohol can be used to safely remove most thermal compounds.
[ad_2]