Do Laptops Need Thermal Paste

When you buy a new laptop, thermal paste is normally pre-installed between the CPU and heat sink. Thermal paste is a heat-conductive compound that fills up tiny gaps between the two surfaces, ensuring effective heat transmission and reducing overheating of the CPU.

If you open your laptop to replace the hardware or perform maintenance, make sure to reinstall the thermal paste. Thermal paste can dry up, become less effective, and even crack or flake off with time, resulting in increased CPU temperatures and decreased performance. In rare circumstances, an inadequate thermal paste can generate hot spots on the CPU, resulting in overheating and shutdowns.

So, do laptops need thermal paste? Yes, absolutely. It’s a critical component for ensuring proper heat transfer and preventing damage to the CPU, motherboard, and other components. Applying a new layer of thermal paste to the CPU when upgrading the laptop’s hardware can help to improve its cooling and extend its lifespan.

What Is Thermal Paste?

Thermal paste is a compound that transfers heat from one surface to another. In the case of laptops, the thermal paste is applied between the CPU and the heatsink.

When applied correctly, thermal paste reduces the amount of heat the CPU generates. This means your laptop runs more efficiently and lasts longer. 

Thermal paste is one of those things that people often overlook. Most people don’t think about the importance of thermal paste until they start seeing problems. 

Thermal paste is not required for most hardware. It is used mostly for processors and GPUs. For most people, it should be something that is added to the checklist when they buy a device. It’s important because it ensures that your laptop will last longer.

Why Do Laptops Need Thermal Paste?

If you are a laptop owner and haven’t used thermal paste, you may have experienced random shutdowns. This is because your laptop is overheating and shutting down. 

When laptops shut down randomly, it often means that the RAM, CPU, or GPU has reached their thermal shutdown point. In other words, the hardware is too hot to operate.

When the thermal paste is applied between the CPU and the heatsink, it conducts heat away from the CPU. This means that your laptop will run cooler and last longer.

Read also: How To Check Laptop Fan Is Working Or Not?

Is Thermal Paste necessary for Laptop?

Yes, thermal paste is necessary for a laptop. It improves heat transfer and prevents the CPU from overheating. Applying new thermal paste can improve cooling and extend the laptop’s lifespan.

How to Check If You Have Thermal Paste?

This will vary slightly depending on the laptop model. For most laptops, you can access the CPU and heatsink by removing the back panel and removing the heatsink.

Check to see if there is a thermal paste or if the heatsink is only being held in place by the fan. If there is no thermal paste, you’ll need to reapply it before you continue using your laptop. This is especially important if you are overclocking your laptop.

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How To Apply Thermal Paste To Your Laptop

First, you must open your laptop and remove the heatsink and CPU. Make sure to take note of how the heatsink and CPU are positioned. This will help you determine where to apply the thermal paste. In most cases, applying the thermal paste to the CPU is best.

If the CPU and heatsink are separate components, apply the paste to both surfaces of the CPU. Once you have applied the thermal paste to the CPU and heatsink, carefully reattach the heatsink to the CPU.

The heatsink should be positioned in contact with the CPU. Use a soft cloth to remove any excess thermal paste. If you have applied too much, remove some of the paste before reassembling your laptop.

How Long Does Thermal Paste Last in a Laptop?

This question may get a variety of answers from different people. Many users expect their thermal pastes to last at least three to five years, but some disagree.

Good thermal pastes usually last at least three to five years. Regarding laptops, you might find that your thermal paste is still functioning after the recommended minimum shelf life, particularly if your laptop is older than five or seven years. 

You may use apps that monitor the heat in your laptop to check whether it is operating at the proper temperatures. If things are running properly, it is probably safe to assume that the paste is doing its job.

Laptop Thermal Paste Replacement Cost

Laptop thermal paste replacement can cost anywhere from $5-$30, depending on the brand and quality of thermal paste you choose.

Many laptop manufacturers will sell their own brand of thermal paste, which is often more expensive than aftermarket thermal paste. However, aftermarket thermal paste often performs just as well, if not better, than OEM thermal paste.

Should you buy thermal paste for your laptop?

If you are wondering whether or not you should buy thermal paste, the answer is yes. If your laptop is shutting down due to overheating, you will need to reapply thermal paste to ensure that your laptop continues running smoothly.

If you don’t have thermal paste on hand and don’t have time to buy some, you can use an alternative compound. 

If you are unsure if your laptop already has thermal paste, you can remove the heatsink and check the surface of the CPU. If the surface is shiny and smooth, there is thermal paste. If the surface is dull, there is no thermal paste.

3 Best Thermal Pastes For Laptops

1. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut 

Last update on 2024-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut is the perfect thermal paste for anyone looking to improve their cooling setup. Based on liquid metal, this paste is extremely conductive and will quickly transfer heat away from your CPU or GPU. 

It is a high-end paste designed for serious overclockers. However, Conductonaut is unsuitable for large cooling systems, so we recommend using a different thermal paste if you have a large CPU or GPU.

2. Noctua NT-H1 

Last update on 2024-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

NT-H1 is a thermal grease that is not electrically conductive and non-corroding.

It is easy to apply and provides trusted Noctua quality with excellent long-term stability. 

This product is recommended for use on the CPU for up to 5 years and recommended storage time up to 3 years.

3. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut

Last update on 2024-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is a high-performance thermal paste that provides extremely high thermal conductivity of 12.5KW. 

It is a paste that is easy to use and provides a long-lasting effect. It is perfect for cooling all processors, graphics cards, and heat sinks.

These three thermal pastes are the best on the market and will last you a long time. All three are ideal for laptops and can be applied quickly and easily.

FAQ (Do Laptops Need Thermal Paste)

Conclusion

In conclusion, laptops need thermal paste to ensure optimal performance and prevent hardware damage. Applying high-quality thermal paste can make your laptop run smoothly and last longer. Remember to choose the best thermal paste option for your needs and follow proper application techniques. Thank you for reading!