Pro Tier Benefits
• Save up to an extra 3% on Think everyday pricingPlus Tier Benefits
• Save up to an extra 5% on Think everyday pricingElite Tier Benefits
• Save up to an extra 8% on Think everyday pricingLenovo Pro Business Store
Lenovo Education Store
Lenovo Pro Business Store
Lenovo Education Store
Lenovo Pro Business Store
Lenovo Education Store
Lenovo Pro Business Store
Lenovo Education Store
Lenovo Pro Business Store
Lenovo Education Store
Sign in / Create Account
Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and My Lenovo rewards, all in one place
Access your orders, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
Create a wishlist of your favorite products
View & track your orders
Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
Sign out
Sign in / Create Account
Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and My Lenovo rewards, all in one place
Access your orders, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
Create a wishlist of your favorite products
View & track your orders
Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
Sign out
Sign in / Create Account
Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and My Lenovo rewards, all in one place
Access your orders, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
Create a wishlist of your favorite products
View & track your orders
Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
Sign out
Sign in / Create Account
Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and My Lenovo rewards, all in one place
Access your orders, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
Create a wishlist of your favorite products
View & track your orders
Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
Sign out
Sign in / Create Account
Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and My Lenovo rewards, all in one place
Access your orders, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
Create a wishlist of your favorite products
View & track your orders
Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
Sign out
Laptops
Desktops
Workstations
Gaming
Tablets
Monitors
Accessories and Software
Support & Solutions
Warranty Lookup
PC Services
Data Center Services
Solutions
Support
Join Lenovo Pro for up to 10% Welcome Discount.
Join Lenovo Edu and enjoy up to $800 Welcome Discount
Need Help? Call 2593 0388 or Chat with us now! Contact Us
Yoga Slim 7 AI PC | Level up your creativity with next-gen AI experiences on the new Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. Buy Now
A thermal compound, also known as thermal paste or thermal grease, is a substance used to improve the transfer of heat between two surfaces. It is commonly used in computer systems to enhance the cooling efficiency of the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU).
Thermal compounds fill in microscopic gaps between the central processing unit /graphics processing unit (CPU/GPU) and the heat sink, ensuring better contact and maximizing heat transfer. Without thermal compounds, air pockets could form, leading to poor heat dissipation and potential overheating issues.
Thermal compounds contain conductive materials, such as metal particles or ceramic particles suspended in a silicone-based or carbon-based solution. When applied between the central processing unit /graphics processing unit (CPU/GPU) and heat sink, it helps to eliminate air gaps and create a more efficient thermal pathway for heat to transfer from the processor to the heat sink.
Yes, thermal compounds can degrade over time due to factors like heat cycling and aging. As the compound ages, its effectiveness in transferring heat diminishes. It is recommended to replace the thermal compound every few years or whenever you remove the central processing unit /graphics processing unit (CPU/GPU) cooler for maintenance purposes.
There are various types of thermal compounds available, including silicone-based, carbon-based, metal-based, and hybrid compounds. Each type has its own properties, such as thermal conductivity, durability, and electrical conductivity, which can affect its performance in different scenarios.
Using too much thermal compound can negatively impact heat transfer. Excessive application of thermal compound can result in excessive pressure between the central processing unit /graphics processing unit (CPU/GPU) and the heat sink, causing the compound to squeeze out and potentially create a mess.
It is recommended to replace the thermal compound when you notice increased central processing unit /graphics processing unit (CPU/GPU) temperatures, frequent overheating, or when you are performing regular maintenance on your computer. If you remove the CPU/GPU cooler for any reason, it's a good opportunity to clean off the old thermal compound and apply fresh compound.
To apply thermal compound, start by cleaning the central processing unit /graphics processing unit (CPU/GPU) and heat sink surfaces with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Next, apply a small amount of thermal compound, about the size of a pea, onto the center of the CPU/GPU. Gently place the heat sink onto the processor, allowing the pressure to spread the compound evenly. Make sure not to overtighten the cooler.
Thermal pads are an alternative to thermal compounds. They are pre-cut and pre-sized pads made of silicone or other thermally conductive materials. While they are easy to install and provide insulation, they may not offer the same level of thermal conductivity as good-quality thermal compounds.
Upgrading the stock thermal compound with a high-quality aftermarket option can lead to improved heat transfer and lower temperatures. However, the difference in performance may vary depending on factors like the quality of the stock compound and the specific thermal demands of your system. It's always a good idea to research and consider reviews before making an upgrade.
It is generally not recommended to mix different types of thermal compounds. Mixing different compounds can affect their properties, such as thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity, which can potentially lead to poor heat transfer or even damage to the components. It's best to use one type of thermal compound consistently for optimal performance.
The frequency of cleaning and reapplying thermal compound depends on various factors, such as the quality of the compound used, the operating conditions of your computer, and the specific demands of your system. As a general guideline, it is advisable to clean and reapply thermal compound every 1-2 years or whenever you notice increased temperatures or performance issues.
Thermal compounds are not designed to be reused once they have been applied and removed. When the compound is spread between the central processing unit /graphics processing unit (CPU/GPU) and the heat sink, it forms a thin layer that fills in gaps and imperfections. Once the compound is removed, it loses its effectiveness and should be replaced with fresh thermal compound for optimal heat transfer.
While thermal compounds are primarily designed for use on central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs), they can also be used on other electronic components that require heat dissipation, such as power regulators and certain integrated circuits. However, it's important to ensure that the thermal compound is non-conductive and will not cause any electrical shorts or damage to sensitive components.
Ensure that both the central processing unit /graphics processing unit (CPU/GPU) and the heat sink surfaces are clean and free of any old thermal compound residue before applying a new layer.
Use a small amount of thermal compound, as using too much can lead to poor heat transfer.
Consider using a spreading tool or a credit card to spread the thermal compound evenly across the surface, ensuring full coverage.
Avoid applying excessive pressure when installing the heat sink, as it can cause the compound to squeeze out and create air pockets.
While thermal compound itself does not directly improve gaming performance, it helps to keep the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) temperatures lower. Cooler temperatures can prevent thermal throttling and allow the components to maintain their maximum performance for longer periods, resulting in smoother and more consistent gaming experiences.
To remove thermal compounds from surfaces, it is recommended to use isopropyl alcohol (at least 90% concentration) and a lint-free cloth or cotton swabs. Regular cleaning solutions may not effectively dissolve the thermal compound and can leave behind residues that may interfere with future applications of thermal compound.
Some thermal compounds may have a curing or burn-in period, during which their performance improves over time as the compound settles and spreads more evenly. This period typically lasts for a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the specific compound.
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Save big with our top doorbuster deals. Our selections offer the best combination of value and discounts on popular products.
Shop now >Free-to-join for businesses of any size or maturity. Get free welcome gift and exclusive business pricing on Lenovo's entire catalog, get 1-on-1 help from tech advisors, and access to multiple member perks!
Learn more >Signup for Lenovo email notifications to receive valuable updates on products, sales, events, and more...
Sign up >