If the computer has been running continuously for more than one year, the thermal grease on the processor may need to be replaced. How to change it yourself and is it worth doing?
If the thermal paste on the computer's processor has turned to stone from time to time, if it was not applied during the assembly of the PC, the computer may overheat and shut down as a result. In such a situation, you will have to change the thermal paste. But can you do it yourself or still entrust this operation to a specialist?
To change the thermal paste on the computer processor, you need to remove the cooler (fan) from the processor, clean the processor surface from traces of the old thermal paste and apply a new one. Apply a small drop of thermal paste to the processor, spreading it evenly over the processor surface (the processor does not need to be removed from the motherboard).
Important:
1. Do not apply a thick layer of thermal paste!
2. Apply thermal grease only to the part of the processor that will come into direct contact with the heatsink of the cooling system.
3. Do not use cotton swabs to distribute thermal paste. Better to use a plastic spatula.
4. For "lubricating" the processor, use only special thermal grease, which can be purchased at computer stores. Any other substances can disrupt the operation of your computer!
Any user should know that there are different models of sockets (connectors for installing a processor on a motherboard), including those with coolers installed at the very beginning of computer assembly. That is, if you remove the cooler from the motherboard, you will have to pull the motherboard out of the case to reinstall it (and for this you will need to remove all devices from the motherboard, disconnect it from the power supply, remove the connectors coming from the buttons and ports located on case). For such socket models, you can safely not recommend twisting the cooler from the processor yourself, since not knowing the intricacies of connecting various devices to the motherboard, you can make these connections incorrectly, that is, provoke a breakdown. Examples of such sockets: 775, 1155, 1150, 1156, 1366.
But there are sockets, the installation of a cooler on which does not imply a complete disassembly of the computer, therefore, changing the thermal paste will not be a very difficult task. Examples of such sockets: 478, 754, 939, 940, AM2, AM3, FM1. The latches on the side of the cooler installed on such sockets are clearly visible, pressing them releases the cooler lock and the cooling system can be easily removed from the processor.
