The existence of thermal paste is usually found some time after the start of using a computer. Someone tells a skillful friend, a techie, and someone gets acquainted with a new concept in technical literature. If you are reading this article, you probably already know what it is about. But it makes sense to better delve into the topic.
How to determine the period when you need to replace the thermal grease?
What kind of pasta is this?
Thermal paste is a gel-like thermal interface for a computer. In other words, a substance that can efficiently conduct heat. Modern technology, working, is heated to high temperatures, which are often detrimental to it. Thermal grease is used to replace the air gap, which conducts heat much worse.
Mostly pasta consists of:
- from metals such as copper and silver;
- diamond inclusions;
- boron and aluminum.
When using thermal paste on the processor, it is important to observe the minimum thickness of its layer. Otherwise, efficiency drops sharply.
Thermal paste on the desktop
The desktop computer as a whole is cooled much better than a laptop. But this does not apply to the processor, which is in close contact with the radiator. To apply the gel on the processor as it should - carefully read the instructions for use.
There are no definite recommendations on the shelf life of thermal paste in a running computer. It depends on many factors, including:
- processor load during operation;
- temperature fluctuations during operation;
- brand and model of thermal interface;
- model of the processor used.
Different CPUs have different operating temperatures. For example, Intel Core i3 works fine when up to 80 degrees Celsius. At “93 ° C” the computer will turn off and will not work until the indicator drops. To find out the parameters of your processor, find this information on the profile site.
If the expiration date of the paste comes to an end, the processor temperature will increase, because heat transfer is less efficient. If you notice that the value is too high - it's time to change the thermal grease. You can track it using the program:
These applications not only show the values in degrees - they have other interesting features. AIDA64, in general, can be classified as Must Have for any user.
What is the quality of thermal grease? At least a year. The product of the Soviet sample, KPT-8, has a useful life of about 4–5 years. At the same time, its thermal conductivity is slightly lower than that of foreign analogues. The same applies to the popular paste AlSil-3.
Expensive thermal paste for game components can serve up to 8 (!) Years. Of course, their cost is immeasurably higher. An example of an elite product is GELID GC-Extreme with a cost of over 1000 rubles. Agree, a lot, even though one pack is enough for 30-40 applications.
Thermal grease in laptops
Failure to replace the thermogel can cause considerable damage to the laptop. How often do I need to change the thermal grease in a laptop? Its typical service life before replacement is from six months to one and a half years maximum. Do you like to play modern games? Then get ready to replace every 3-4 months. And do not forget about the video card - the video chip also requires lubrication.
Replacing consumables on a mobile PC is easy to perform - the Internet is replete with video and instructions on this topic. Make sure that the specific instruction is appropriate for your computer. The life of the laptop will increase significantly if you do not use the budget paste.
Determine that you need a replacement, you can just as for the desktop - using programs. Do not forget to follow the indicators and remember - the components of a laptop are much cheaper to maintain than to change.
Storage time
- Thermal grease in the package will become unusable faster than you have time to use it. Therefore, tubes and syringes with gel are focused more on the organization than on the home user.
- The optimum storage temperature is 25–30 degrees Celsius.
- The paste is stored long enough when the packaging is tightly closed. Sometimes - indefinitely (domestic samples).
- The average shelf life of open packaging is 3-4 years, the most expensive samples can be stored for up to 10 years.
findings
We told you about thermal grease, its necessity and basic properties. You have learned when the retention period comes to an end and you need to replace it. And also we looked at the characteristics of pastes of different brands. Do you know which thermopaste is the best? Share your opinion in the comments!