7 Common Myths About Thermal Paste To Immediately Forget

If you are new to computers and games, you might have heard these seven myths about thermal paste. These misconceptions have been traveling with gamers and PC enthusiasts for a very long time.

Whether it be social media, newsletters, or other PC enthusiasts you have been in contact with, they will all tell you these myths. 

I, too, came across some of these pages, so I have decided to reveal the truth behind these myths. There is a lot more to know about thermal paste, so don’t let these myths hold you back. 

Let’s dive deeper into the seven most common myths about thermal paste and why you should forget them immediately. 

7 Common Myths about Thermal Paste 

From the words “common myths,” I mean widely believed things. To make your struggle easier, I have decided to test all these popular internet myths about thermal paste. 

Kudos to my CPU for bearing all these tests with me.  

If you Don’t have Thermal Paste, Chocolate Spread, Toothpaste or Vanishing Cream Will Work

Trying this myth about thermal paste was as weird as it sounds. Honestly, it is widely believed with not even 1% truth in it. 

I started with applying chocolate spread onto the integrated heat spreader.

Results: 

• It catches a lot of dirt.
• Articles claim that it can work for 2-3 days, but unfortunately, it didn’t last a minute. 
• Attracts ants.

Next, I applied toothpaste, an expensive one.

Results: 

• It gives a refreshing smell to your computer, but you don’t need that.
• Attracts dust.
• Doesn’t work a little like thermal paste.

Finally, I decided to apply vanishing cream.

Results: 

• It leaks to the surrounding.
• It doesn’t work a little like thermal paste.

Thermal paste is an inexpensive solution for CPUs. I recommend you not to put your system’s health at stake by using all these home-based alternatives. If you still don’t want to use thermal paste, you can use a thermal pad instead. 

Dot Method is the Best Method to Apply Thermal Paste

We tried applying the dot method, line method, and the X method. All three because the internet recommended it. Below are the results we got:

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Let me tell you; we apply thermal paste to fill the air gap. If it doesn’t offer complete coverage, it is of no use. Unfortunately, this one is a myth too. None of these three methods could accurately cover the CPU. 

Upon testing, we concluded that the best way to apply thermal paste is to manually spread the thermal paste with an applicator or a spatula. Don’t use a razor blade or credit card for this purpose, as they may harm CPU components.

Nab Cooling gives a free applicator, spatula, microfiber cloth, and an alcohol pad with every pack of its thermal paste – N-B Max Pro. Using these will evenly spread thermal paste without damaging CPU components, giving complete coverage. 

Are you still confused? Read our comprehensive guide on the best way to apply thermal pastes. 

You Should Change Thermal Paste Every Time You Clean Your System

No, you need to change thermal paste whenever the processor’s temperature rises despite cleaning the CPU cooler. With an advance in technology, companies are developing better and better thermal pastes.

We recommend buying N-B Max Pro as it provides full coverage and ultimate heat conductivity, promising the best heat transfer and CPU performance. Once you apply it, there is no need to change thermal paste for the next 4-5 years. 

Please note that if you change your thermal paste every year before it dries out as a precautionary measure, don’t do this. This way, you are just wasting thermal pastes as changing it without it drying out will have no positive impacts. 

If You Apply Too Much Thermal Paste, Your CPU Won’t Work

We have heard this myth about thermal paste way too much, but no, this myth about thermal paste isn’t even true to one percent. People often tend to mix accurately applying the paste and applying too much. However, both of these are entirely different scenarios.

If you apply too much paste and evenly spread it so it doesn’t leak out, it is good to go, and there is no harm in using too much. However, if you apply too much in a manner that leaks to the surrounding pins and motherboard, you are doing it wrong.

If thermal paste leaks, it may block the CPU connections and may carry heat where it is not needed. This leakage may damage your system.

If the thermal paste is electrically conductive and leaks, it may cause a short circuit within a CPU. Also, if it leaks and sticks to the pins, it may not be easy to clean.

As a general rule, you should apply a thin layer of thermal paste onto the CPU. Make sure it doesn’t leak to the pins or motherboard. Also, ensure that its quantity is sufficient enough to provide full coverage leaving no air gaps behind.

You Don’t Need a CPU Cooler If You Apply a Good Thermal Paste

Both Thermal pastes and CPU cooler perform different functions. Thermal pastes help heat dissipation but not dissipates heat itself.

The only function of thermal paste is to transfer heat from the processor to the heatsink, where the CPU cooler forces the accumulated heat out of the major working parts.

This way, the system remains cool and won’t damage its hardware. If the CPU cooler fails to perform its function, the thermal paste will be of no use.

Long story short: CPU cant function without any of these – thermal paste and CPU cooler. 

Thick Thermal Pastes are Bad

This one is the most illogical myth about thermal pastes. Every paste on the market has its consistency. Some are thick; others are thin.

We carried out a test with thin and thick thermal pastes to prove this myth wrong and concluded that more viscous pastes are comparatively better.

Thin paste tends to leak to the surroundings blocking connection when they contact pins and motherboard. Also, they may transfer heat where it is not needed. In turn, they may damage CPU components.

On the other hand, thick pastes cover the whole area perfectly and stick well. This helps cover all the air gaps without leaking to the surroundings.

You Don’t Need a Microfiber Cloth to Clean Thermal Paste, Tissue Will work.

Many people use tissue paper and paper towels to clean the dried thermal paste. We recommend you not to use any of these. 

Tissue papers and paper towels leave lint wherever used. You may not be able to see these tiny fibers with the naked eye, but these microscopic impurities act as an insulator similar to air gaps and may stop heat transfer to a great extent. 

Using microfiber cloth is the best idea. It won’t shred into pieces, is good for the environment, and will clean most germs on the surface. If you want efficient heat transfer, a microfiber cloth is a must-have. Don’t worry; Nab Cooling is giving it for free with every package of N-B Max Pro. 

Readout guide – Unboxing N-B Max Pro Package to find out what else we are giving for free. 

Conclusion

We have tested all of the seven common myths about thermal paste and concluded that none of these has a minor amount of truth in it. To master using CPUs, you need to forget these myths immediately. 

If you have any further queries, contact us and get expert advice for your CPU, laptops, or anywhere you use thermal paste.