Experienced computer owners know well what thermal paste is and why it is needed. It is known that this substance, on time deposited on the surface of the processor, significantly reduces its heating, and consequently - wear technology. But the processor is not the only part of the PC that requires this substance.

To control the temperature of the PC may need to replace the thermal paste.

Temperature condition is in many components of the PC. Video cards require especially careful maintenance - they have poor resistance to wear. On average, a video card accepts temperatures up to 80 degrees Celsius. Although for powerful solutions this indicator may differ.

Why do I need thermal grease?

According to its tactile properties and the structure of the thermal paste is quite similar to toothpaste. It is widely used in computers due to its high thermal conductivity. It should be applied carefully, as thin as possible, between the processor and the radiator element of the cooling system. Thus, it is possible to reduce the temperature of one element (processor) by transferring it to another element (radiator). From time to time, the used substance needs to be changed - it loses its special properties.

If you are going to change the thermal paste yourself, first of all, you need to choose the right one. It is usually sold in syringes. One pack is enough for 30–40 uses, and you don’t have to change it often (optimally - once a year or less).

TIP. Choose a more expensive thermal grease with a high heat transfer coefficient. And better ask about her presence from your friends.

How to prepare?

If your PC or laptop did not understand more than two years - be sure to attend to this necessary procedure. Will you first disassemble the computer? Then at least invite a friend who already did it. Or find a detailed video instruction for your model on the Internet, if you are dealing with a laptop.

How to remove a video card

Before replacing the thermal paste on the video card begins, you need to remove all interfering elements from the case. This should be done as carefully as possible.

• Before pulling the board out of the connector, pay attention to the plugs, levers or bolts. They certainly are. At this stage it is better to photograph, as it was originally.
• Do not forget to turn off the extra video power. Often it has two choices.
• When removing the card from the connector on the motherboard, be extremely careful.

IMPORTANT. If in doubt, is it worth changing everything yourself without experience - just find out the cost of computer hardware repair on the Internet.

• Often the PCI Express slot has a latch. It is very important to keep it whole.

If extraction is successful, remove the radiator. Most likely, in your model it is attached with screws. At this point, you will gain access to the surface of the processor. If you didn’t have to change the thermal paste last year - it must have dried on the processor surface.

To remove leftovers, use a napkin with alcohol. In special cases, you have to change the napkin to the school eraser.

IMPORTANT. Remember that damage to the video chip will at least worsen the heat sink, as a maximum - you will have to change the video card. Therefore, the use of sharp objects is not necessary.

Replacement process

Changing the thermal grease, do not forget to put it as thin as possible. It is necessary to align the contact of the video processor with the radiator, so a thick layer will only worsen the heat sink.

1. Squeeze a drop about the size of a match head from a syringe or tube.
2. Spread it over the surface of the chip, remembering to apply evenly. You can use a plastic card.
   

3. The substance should not lie layer between the elements, and compensate for cracks and irregularities.
4. After application, install the radiator in its place and tighten it with screws - not too tight, but tight enough. It is better if you tighten the screws crosswise.
5. Return all elements of the computer to its original state.

Tips

It is necessary to change thermal grease a little less than once a year - in general. If you use the Soviet pasta brand KPT-8 - the service life is much longer (up to 4 years), but the temperature of the video chip will be slightly higher. The best products of this kind can serve without replacement up to 8 years (Arctic Cooling MX-3).

Do not change the paste if the computer does not heat up sufficiently. Programs such as HWMonitor will help you always be aware of the temperatures inside the PC case. You can find out the maximum permissible t for your components on the Internet.

findings

Reading this material, you learned to correctly change the thermal paste on the video card. You have learned what it is necessary for, how to do everything efficiently, and also find out useful information about the temperature of components. If you have add-ons - share them! You can do this in the comments below.