![]() The following table shows the thermal conductivity values of thermal paste and other common materials. In contrast, other materials such as wood, ceramics, plastics and glass are examples of thermally insulating materials and poor heat conductors. Metals, which are excellent thermal conductors, conduct heat very well and have high thermal conductivity values. The higher the coefficient, the more heat is dissipated. In particular:Įach material therefore has its own thermal conductivity value. Figure 1 shows the different types of adhesion between the two contact surfaces (the CPU and the heatsink). Thermal paste, on the other hand, fills in microscopic surface imperfections, facilitating cooling of the device. Without it, air bubbles would form, limiting heat exchange. Thermal paste is therefore vital, although many people underestimate its usefulness. Usually, thermal paste is composed of zinc oxide and silicone and facilitates the interconnection between the chip and its cooling system. ![]() Of course, it is always advisable to prefer first-rate compounds, certified by the companies for optimal operation and efficient heat exchange. Thermal paste helps facilitate heat dissipation between the heatsink and the CPU by actually increasing the useful dissipation surface. Even if the heatsink is perfectly adhered to the CPU, tiny roughness and imperfections always remain, decreasing the useful dissipation surface. In one of the previous articles, we looked at the general uses of the main thermal paste, along with some cheap substitutes. The relevant datasheets, in fact, state that operation at high temperatures could degrade the quality of the work performed, with a huge amount of power lost in heat and a drastic lowering of the overall system efficiency. The devices must be operated at a temperature as far away as possible from the fateful Tj(max). Today, heat exchange between electronic components and heat sinks is of paramount importance. In this article we discover some of the secrets of using thermal paste, otherwise known as thermo-conductive paste. In an electronic system, in fact, not all energy is used in a process and a more or less important part is lost in heat. Thermal paste is a dense compound used to improve heat exchange between electronic components and heat sinks. ![]() If you have to turn it to line up the holes after it's already place, the thermal paste will not spread properly.Thermal paste is indispensable in an electronics workshop. Make sure you place your cooler on as straight as possible the first time. Ideally, applying the thermal paste will be the last step before mounting your heatsink. If you place your cooler and then realize you forgot a bracket or backplate you’ll have to wipe down and start again. No larger than a grain of rice or two.īefore installing your cooler make sure all required hardware is in place. Don’t go overboard or you will sacrifice performance. You only need a small dot a few millimeters in diameter. Squeeze out a small amount of thermal paste onto the center of the CPU. A quick wipe with a non-linting towel and some isopropyl alcohol will do the trick. Before you start squeezing the plunger, it's a good idea to make sure the surface of both your cooler and your CPU is clean. The simplicity of this method works to eliminate the issues with other application methods and guarantees great performance and even spread of thermal paste every time, provided you install your cooler correctly. (Image credit: Future) Using the Dot Method
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