How to Replace GPU Thermal Paste
0If you’ve been in the PC hardware game for a long time, you’ll know how important it is to keep your GPU cool. A top-quality thermal paste should last you a couple of years, but you’ll want to replace it before that, to avoid overheating and throttled performance.
You can use a heatsink removal fluid to make the job easier, but you should also clean the surface of your GPU. This removes any residue from the old thermal paste, and ensures that the new layer is clean and has a good contact with the heat sink.
Once you’ve removed the old thermal paste, you can install the new one. It’s important to get the amount right, though — too much and it will create a thick layer that reduces performance, while too little and all the air gaps between the processor and the heatsink won’t be filled properly. Generally, for a 15mm by 10mm GPU, 0.1ml of paste is enough.
You should apply a thin layer of the paste to your GPU, and spread it evenly across the chip. You can use a paper towel or your finger to spread it, but remember to leave some space around the edges of the chip, so that you don’t end up with any excess. You can also use the buttered toast method if you’re not confident in your ability to apply it correctly.