Thermal paste is a material used to increase the thermal conductivity between the CPU surface and the cooler. Thermal paste helps prevent overheating that can damage CPU components. However, thermal paste can also dry out, harden, or accumulate over time, reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to clean the old thermal paste before replacing or installing a new cooler.
Cleaning thermal paste from the CPU is not a difficult task, but it requires attention and caution. If not done properly, you can damage the CPU or other components inside your PC. In this article, Bardimin will explain the steps you should follow to clean thermal paste from the CPU easily and safely.
Step 1: Prepare the Tools and Materials
Before you clean thermal paste from the CPU, prepare the tools and materials. Here is a list of our recommended tools and materials:
- Screwdriver to open the PC case and remove the cooler from the CPU.
- Cotton swabs or wipes are clean, and lint-free to remove thermal paste from CPU and cooler surfaces.
- Isopropyl alcohol or electronic cleaners that have an alcohol content of at least 90% to clean the remaining thermal paste that sticks. Avoid using cleaners that contain water, oil, or other chemicals that can damage the CPU or cooler.
- Gloves to protect your hands from direct contact with thermal paste or cleaner.
- Antistatic bracelet or antistatic mat to prevent damage because of static electricity. Static electricity can damage sensitive electronic components inside your PC, including the CPU.
Step 2: Shut Down and Unplug the PC from the Power Source
The first step you should take before cleaning the thermal paste from the CPU is to shut down and disconnect the PC from power. This is important to prevent short circuits or damage because of electric current. Here’s how to shut down and disconnect your PC from power:
- Save all the work you are doing and close all running programs on your PC.
- Click the Start button in the lower left corner of the screen and select Shut down or Power off.
- Wait until your PC is completely off and no lights or sounds are on.
- Disconnect the power cord from your PC and the outlet.
- Disconnect all cables and other devices connected to your PC, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, etc.
Step 3: Open the PC Case and Remove the Cooler from the CPU
The next step is to open the PC case and remove the cooler from the CPU. This will allow you to access the CPU and the thermal paste attached to it. Here’s how to open the PC case and remove the cooler from the CPU:
- Place your PC on a table or a flat, stable surface. Make sure you have enough of and bright workspace.
- Wear gloves and an antistatic bracelet or use an antistatic mat. Touch the metal part of the PC to remove static electricity from your body.
- Use a screwdriver to open the PC case. Usually, you’ll need to remove some screws on the back or side of the PC case. Store the screws in a safe place so they don’t get lost.
- Carefully lift the PC case and place it on the side. You can now see the inside of your PC, including the motherboard, CPU, and cooler.
- Find your CPU cooler. CPU coolers are usually box-shaped or cylindrical that are attached to the top of the CPU with the help of screws, clips, or latches. CPU coolers also have fans that connect to the motherboard with a cable.
- Carefully disconnect the fan cable from the motherboard. Do not pull the cable roughly, but hold the connector and pull it gently.
- Remove the cooler from the CPU by removing the screws, clips, or latches that bind it. If the coolant feels stuck or difficult to remove, do not force it, but gently move it left and right to untie the thermal paste. If necessary, use a screwdriver or other tool to help you.
- Carefully remove the cooler from the CPU and place it in a clean, dry place. You can now see the thermal paste sticking to the top of the CPU and under the cooler.