If your GPU has been used for over a longer time, there is something very serious to worry about. The thermal paste usually hardens after extended usage that adversely affects its ability of cooling down effectively.
Replacing the thermal paste will improve cooling significantly. The thermal paste applied by the manufacturer is going to serve you well for some time but then you'll notice an increase in temperature.
It is highly advised to change the thermal paste after longer use, that was applied by the manufacturer between the GPU and a heatsink. Else your GPU's temperature will go beyond a certain level that is very harmful and can even cause permanent damage.
Make sure you apply a high quality thermal paste as it not only improves cooling but also relieves you from the stress of replacing the thermal paste frequently. We recommend you to use Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Paste.
The procedure of changing the thermal past is perhaps a complex job so you must be cautious while carrying it out. A comprehensive guide has been made to assist you during this intricate task.
Disassemble the GPU:
Disconnect the power cables from the graphics card and unroll the screws that hold your board and sink together. While doing so, the position of each screw must be remembered so you don't end up placing them in the wrong position.
The fan cable is now to be disconnected with the GPU cover removed. The task of removing the heatsink is a great struggle as the thermal paste that was applied earlier has hardened. Once you're done with that, wipe the dirt off that had been accumulated on the heatsink.
Remove the old thermal paste:
Clean the old, hardened thermal paste properly before applying the newer one. Many prefer using 90% Isopropyl alcohol to remove the thermal paste as it is considered to be very effective in doing this job.
Apply this alcohol or any other thermal removal fluid you have on a lint-free cloth and wipe until the old thermal paste has been removed completely. Cleaning the thermal paste is perhaps a time-consuming task. Don't exert too much force on the GPU chip while cleaning it as it can cause damage to it.
Apply new thermal paste:
Once you have cleaned it thoroughly and the alcohol has dried, apply a little amount of thermal paste. The thermal paste should be applied in the right amount(size of a rice grain) at the centre of the chip, such that when the heatsink is pressed, the paste would spread equally over the GPU chip.
You don't need to spread the paste, it will automatically spread once the heatsink is placed over it. Bubbles should not be formed as they'll affect its cooling performance. The fewer the bubbles, the better it would be.
Applying a lot of thermal paste will cause it to come out from the sides creating a dirty look. It shouldn't be sparse too as it will not spread well over the surface reducing its effectiveness.
Reassemble:
The last step includes placing the heatsink back onto the GPU and connecting the fan cable. You should be a bit more careful while mounting screws as they must be placed in their respective areas.
Tighten the screws and install the GPU back onto the motherboard. Keep in mind that you don't over tighten them.
Congrats! You're done. That's all about replacing GPU thermal paste. No need to worry about the GPU overheating anymore. There's surely a noticeable change in its cooling and an improvement in performance. Proper application of thermal paste will help keep your GPU cool and you'll not have to bother about changing it frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to replace thermal paste on GPU?
Yes, it is recommended to replace the thermal paste on your GPU every few years to improve heat transfer, prevent overheating, and maintain optimal performance.
How often should GPU thermal paste be replaced?
The GPU thermal paste should be replaced every few years to ensure efficient heat transfer and prevent overheating. Over time, the thermal paste can lose its ability to conduct heat, leading to potential issues with the graphics card. Regular replacement of the thermal paste helps maintain optimal performance and prevents premature failure of the GPU.
Can you reapply thermal paste on GPU?
Yes, you can reapply thermal paste on a GPU. Thermal paste is a crucial component that helps conduct heat away from the GPU and towards the heatsink, ensuring efficient cooling and preventing damage to the GPU.
How do I know if my GPU needs thermal paste?
To determine if your GPU needs thermal paste:
1. Check GPU and memory temperatures using monitoring apps like CapFrameX or HWInfo64.
2. Ensure temperatures are within the manufacturer's specified safe range for your graphics card.
3. If temperatures are excessively high, it may indicate the need for q new thermal paste.
Zain is a writer and along with that he loves gaming and writing about stuff like that. He started his career in gaming almost 7 years ago and since then been interested in Pc gaming.Learning about Pc builds is a passion for him!
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