Thermal Paste on CPU Pins – What To Do!

Introduction

Thermal Paste on CPU Pins is a kind of soft Gel or also known as Silicone Putty. The paste is used to fill the large gaps. The thermal paste is ideal for filling the variable gaps between several components. It possesses excellent thermal performance with perfect compliance. The best part is that it does not exert any pressure.

Keep in mind that it should only be applied to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) of your central processing unit. This is preferably used under the CPU where several threats are certain, such as moisture, uncontrolled current, oil, etc. It also occurs with the ones applying the Gel that it sometimes is applied to unwanted places, and then a need arises to remove it.

But worry not because removing the thermal paste is easy if you follow the instructions in the later sections.

What are the Typical Applications of Thermal Paste?

There are several applications of thermal paste, such as:

 Server and network equipment
 Communication equipment
 Automotive electronics
 Large storage device
 Memory modules
 Power supplies
 LCD Display

What is required to remove thermal paste left on sockets or pins?

The pertinent part is the type of thermal paste you are using for the purpose. Always ensure that the paste is electrically conductive. You will easily find the information on the package/packet. Make sure to carry out the process while standing on an insulative thing.

You will require several items to remove the thermal paste from pins and sockets, such as:

 Isopropyl Alcohol: You will need this item at least with 70% concentration, or 99% alcohol will even be better
 Special thermal paste cleaners are also available
 Toothbrush with soft filaments and dry microfiber cloth

How to Remove Thermal Paste from CPU Pins

There are two kinds of CPU Pins:

 Pin Socket (LGA)
 Pinhole Socket (PGA)

Pin Socket (LGA)

For those working with the LGA connector, such as the ones Intel utilize, the procedure gets easier for them. The LGA connector does not have pins on the underside of the CPU. So, you don’t need a complex method. All you need is a paper towel with a slight drop of alcohol, and gently wipe off the thermal paste.

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e0c31112c8bd0c91387bea/bed7e634-2d74-4bd0-9141-72121b895f6e/5-30+Thermal+paste+on+CPU+pin_+How+to+remove+thermal+paste+from+CPU+socket_+%285%29.jpg?format=750w

Or idreampc also recommends going ahead with the “Kooling Monster KLEAN-01”. It functions on a particular formula that is known to gently clean off the thermal paste from the surface. In this case, you might need to buy expensive alcohol from the market to carry out this procedure.

Pinhole Socket (PGA)

If the PGA connector is used, then using a toothbrush with soft filaments will do the job. Isn’t it easy? That is why you should always visit idreampc for a cost-efficient and effective guide. You might also have to apply some substance, such as Isopropyl alcohol, that is not conductive in nature and leaves no moisture behind.

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e0c31112c8bd0c91387bea/7f6bb20d-0b82-472d-b6d1-9b90999d3485/5-30+Thermal+paste+on+CPU+pin_+How+to+remove+thermal+paste+from+CPU+socket_+%284%29.jpg?format=750w

Your shopping list might include the following:

 Paper towel
 Toothbrush with soft bristles
 Isopropyl alcohol, preferably 91%

how-to-remove-thermal-paste-of-cpu-pins

Follow this process to remove the thermal paste:

 Pour some amount of Isopropyl alcohol into a cup or glass
 Dip the toothbrush in the alcohol for around a minute
 Now, gently scrape the surface with this toothbrush
 Wipe the toothbrush with a paper towel once it gets dirty
 In the end, let the CPU dry for a couple of minutes

What is the loss in case of not removing thermal paste from the CPU Pins?

By now, you have learned how to remove the thermal paste from eth CPU Pins. But we are also telling you why it is important. First, let`s revise the fact that thermal paste is used to transfer heat, and that’s where heat usually comes from.

So, the CPU receives its instructions from the input; it then processes them and gives output. All this process involves electrical signals causing the heating. These electrical signals pass through the pins.  

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61e0c31112c8bd0c91387bea/cc7ae3e3-7175-4f4b-b2fe-2ac081f958ae/5-30+Thermal+paste+on+CPU+pin_+How+to+remove+thermal+paste+from+CPU+socket_+%283%29.jpg?format=750w

Billions of signals pass through these pins, causing heat to be generated. It is significant to mention that there are three kinds of pins:

1.Address Pins: These transmit address values
2.Data Pins: Receives the Data
3.Control Pins: Carry out multiple functions

As mentioned in the earlier sections, several substances could interfere with the pins, such as thermal paste, moisture, or oil. By not removing substance, you might face some interference in the task performance; hence removing these substances are quite essential.

 How to Clean Thermal Paste Off CPU

The process is quite simple, as we have mentioned here:

 Remove the cooler, air-cooling heatsink
 Use a cotton swab with some alcohol to clean off the thermal paste
 Wait for a couple of minutes to dry up
 Once completely dry, now, reinstall the heatsink while tightening the screws
 Check for any spillage, and you are good to go

What are the Precautions while Removing the Thermal Paste?

There are several things not to do while removing thermal paste from the CPU Pins. This might be a time-taking and exhaustive process but worth the effort. Now consider these don`ts:

 Take your time
 Steel clear of bending CPU pins
 Be careful and gentle in the process
 Be gentle, don’t use eh excessive force
 Don’t clean large chunks of paste at a time

How to Reapply Thermal Paste?

This is important; as you know, thermal paste reapplication is quite important. Consider these steps for gentle application:

 Put on thermal paste with gentle hands on the pins
 Apply the paste evenly in a thin layer
 Be very careful while reinstalling the heatsink

Cautions to Remember while Buying Thermal Paste

There are several things that you should keep in mind while buying a good thermal paste, such as:

 Conductivity rating
 Viscosity
 Volume
 Type

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We are sharing FAQs about Thermal paste on the CPU and how to remove it safely:

Q1: What is a thermal paste?

Ans. A thermal paste is a kind of paste used on the CPU Pins.

Q2: Is the presence of thermal paste bad on CPU Pins?

Ans. The connections of sockets and pins are affected in the presence of thermal paste, but it is not hazardous to CPU components.

Q3: What to do if thermal paste gets on the CPU Pins?

Ans. You must remove it with some substance as soon as possible for the proper function of the CPU.

Conclusion

Thermal Paste on CPU Pins could cause excessive heat, and thus, removing it will restore the efficient function of the CPU. This could be a daunting task for some people, so you might want to take help from the experts. If you still want to do it, carefully follow the instructions we discussed in the sections mentioned above.

.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

LatestHow To
Guide