Aply thermal paste to GPU in an easy step. Keeping your GPU cool can help it last longer and provide you with years of service before you need to replace it. Thermal paste is one of the processes used by graphics cards to keep temperatures low and performance high without causing damage to the card.
While your GPU should have thermal paste applied appropriately when you acquire it, problems with the card or purchasing a secondhand one may necessitate re-application at some point.
What exactly is Thermal Paste?
Thermal paste is a type of grease that aids in the transfer of heat away from specific components in your computer.
Most people are aware that thermal paste is applied to CPUs before installation on the motherboard, but it is less well known that it is also applied to GPUs.
Thermal paste possesses some qualities that make it perfect for assisting in the transfer of heat away from computer components. First, it transfers heat from the CPU or GPU to the heat sink, lowering the temperature even further.
Next, it helps to create extra contact points by oozing into gaps and slamming up against the space where it is applied.
Thermal paste can help reduce air transfer between the heatsink and the component by filling any crevices that allow air to enter.
This is another way thermal paste can help lower temperatures because air transfer reduces the effectiveness of the heatsink.
How Can Thermal Paste Benefit My GPU?
One of the biggest causes of deterioration on a graphics card is heat. Too much heat can drastically diminish the card’s lifespan.
It also restricts the amount of performance provided by the GPU. To protect itself, the card will eventually shut down or reduce its performance as temperatures rise.
The addition of new thermal paste to your GPU can drastically reduce temps. It’s a terrific solution if you’re having problems.
For example, I ordered my 1080 TI from EVGA from the B Stock because I knew I could probably repair any issues with it.
While it came, a test revealed that it would shut down when attempting to play games with high graphics settings, such as ARK. Temperatures would quickly rise to over 85 degrees before the game would shut down – all within moments of commencing.
We disassembled the card, removed the old thermal paste, and replaced it. We reinstalled the card and did a stress test when it was reassembled.
It operated in the same game in temps below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and I had no heat-related issues with it.
It’s no longer my primary GPU, but I do use it on occasion, and it’s still performing admirably years after I applied that thermal paste.
How to Apply Thermal Paste to a Graphics Card
Before applying thermal paste to a GPU, you need to take a few measures. It differs from doing it on a CPU in that you must disassemble the card.
Before you begin, make sure you understand how to disassemble your card. Depending on your situation, you may need to hunt up a deconstruction video or consult your handbook. Do not use instructions from another card or one manufactured by a different company.
Remember how you disassembled the card and where each component goes to rebuild it. Keep the screws in a small box or bag nearby so you don’t lose them. We were going by ear when we pulled it apart, so we videoed the procedure to have a reference after we were finished.
- Make a workspace where you won’t drop small pieces or make a mess that will damage the graphics card. Make a basket or bag to store your little pieces.
- Take out your proper screwdriver, your fresh thermal paste, lint-free cotton rounds, and 99 percent isopropyl alcohol.
- Unscrew the screws on the body of your graphics card to disassemble it. Set them aside and don’t let them go. Take care not to damage the connections to the fans or touch the card’s internals unduly while disassembling it.
- Apply isopropyl alcohol to the cotton round until it is moist but not leaking. Use it to clean the GPU chip and the area where the heatsink connects.
- Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the chip. It should be in the center and not extend to the card’s edge. The heatsink’s pressure will aid in the distribution of the thermal paste.
- Firmly press the card back together, and don’t separate it once you’ve done so. The heatsink should press down on the thermal paste and spread it around the chip.
- Reinstall the screws. It is critical to screw them in securely. Graphics cards that aren’t well-assembled can have problems, such as rising temperatures. You don’t want to bend or twist the card too much, but you do want strong placement.
- Reinstall the graphics card and give it another shot. Keep an eye on the temperature to see whether it rises. If it does, disassemble it and reassemble it. The tension of the screws might sometimes be an issue.
While applying thermal paste to a graphics card isn’t difficult, it’s important to work slowly and carefully. Graphics cards are expensive, and errors can utterly destroy them.
Thermal Paste Hints and Tips
Knowing a few thermal paste tips might help you have the greatest experience when applying thermal paste to your GPU.
Is it necessary to use thermal paste on my graphics card?
If your temperatures are high or you like a specific brand, there’s nothing wrong with applying the new thermal paste on your card.
However, there is no necessity to do so if you are not experiencing temperature concerns. If your card is functioning properly, taking it apart to add new paste may cause more trouble than it is worth.
Consider carefully whether the danger is worth the return.
What is the best shape for applying Thermal Paste?
For beginners, simply place a dot in the center of the chip. When you press the heat sink on, make sure it doesn’t seep out the sides. Some people prefer to draw a small X across the chip, with a larger X in the center. Others prefer to draw a thin line back and forth across it.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference more than anything else. The dot in the center should be sufficient.
How Long Does a GPU’s Thermal Paste Last?
The majority of people assume it lasts two to three years. A graphics card’s lifespan is frequently much longer, therefore it’s not improbable that you’ll need to change the thermal paste at some point.
If you’re not comfortable disassembling your GPU, contact a skilled computer repair specialist to discuss the price. You should be able to receive the service for a reasonable price.
How Much Thermal Paste Do I Need?
You don’t need to use much of it. A grain of rice or two small dollops should suffice. If necessary, you can always clean off the paste and reapply it. It is, however, far more difficult to clean if it drips onto other components. Use with caution and don’t use too much at once.
When does Thermal Paste expire?
Do not expect your thermal paste to endure indefinitely. It, like other things, loses effectiveness over time. Consider acquiring a new tube if it is more than two years old.
Final thought
If you want your GPU to last for a very long time, then applying thermal paste will help improve its lifespan and hence saving you extra cost that you might need to do a lot of repairs.
We believe that this guide was helpful to you and that it has helped you solve a problem as far as your GPU is concerned.