How to Remove and Replace Thermal Paste on a CPU

Download Article

Expert step-by-step guide for cleaning thermal paste from your computer or laptop

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: January 8, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Working Safely

|

Removing the Old Paste

|

Applying New Paste

|

Video

|

Expert Q&A

|

Things You'll Need

Thermal paste is used to conduct heat from your computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU) to the heatsink, which prevents it from overheating. This paste can dry out over time, and it must be replaced periodically to maintain your computer's condition. Be sure to follow electrostatic discharge precautions before touching the internal components of your computer. This wikiHow will show you how to clean old thermal paste and apply a new coat on your desktop computer.

Things You Should Know

Always switch off your power and unplug all cords before working on your PC.
Remove the heatsink as per your PC's manual. Use a cotton swab and 90%+ isopropyl alcohol to remove the paste.
Once dry, apply a small drop of new thermal paste onto the CPU. Put the heatsink back on.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Working Safely

Download Article

1
Switch off all power. If you're using Windows, click the Start menu, click the Power icon, and then choose Shut Down. Don’t trust pushing the "Power" button to turn off all power. More often than not, this only puts your computer into sleep mode.
- With some models, such as AMD, it's recommended to let your computer run for a bit to warm up the CPU beforehand. This will ensure the thermal paste is softer and less likely to damage the socket.
If your computer is currently plugged into a power outlet, unplug it. Detach any other devices that are connected to the computer.

Advertisement
Expect dirt and dust particles to also interfere with the computer’s working parts. Choose a clean area to work in. If your workspace needs to be cleaned, wait for any airborne particles to settle before you proceed with opening your computer.
4
Take all electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions. Electrostatic discharge can seriously damage your system or its parts.^{[1]
X
Research source} You must discharge the static electricity from your body and ground yourself to avoid transferring it to your computer.
- Some ways to ground yourself include: standing on hard floor in bare feet, removing any static-friendly clothing, and using an anti-static wristband. You can also touch the metal part of your computer's case to transfer built-up static.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Removing the Old Paste

Download Article

1
Refer to your user manual to remove the heatsink. Gaining access to your computer’s heatsink and/or CPU will vary depending on the computer you have, especially if you built your own PC. Refer to its owner’s manual to find out how to identify, access, remove, and reinstall the necessary parts. If you don’t have a hard copy, search the manufacturer’s website for a copy online.
- Some heatsinks have four screws that must be removed first. Other heatsinks will just need a simple twist to remove.
- When removed correctly, you should see the CPU with the old thermal paste.
2
Clean the thermal paste on the processor. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the CPU. It's recommended to use 90% isopropyl alcohol or above. You can also use an isopropyl alcohol wipe. If needed, you can lift the load plate to clean under it.
- Use gentle, circular motions to dissolve and clean the old thermal paste.
- If needed, get a fresh cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to ensure you're picking up and cleaning the old paste.
Follow the same steps to clean the old thermal paste from the heatsink. Be especially mindful of where the old paste ends up. Once it’s loosened, you don’t want to accidentally brush it off so that it ends up lodged elsewhere in the processor.
If your last application of thermal paste dried to any other parts, use the same method to clean it up.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Applying New Paste

Download Article

Remember: after you remove all traces of old paste, you want to wipe the heatsink and processor with another application of rubbing alcohol or cleaner. Do not apply new paste immediately after doing so. Wait until they have thoroughly air-dried.
2
Dab the processor’s core with paste. Apply a small bead of new paste directly to its surface. Keep it about the same size as a rice grain. Don’t worry about doing the same to the heatsink, unless your owner’s manual specifically states otherwise.
- Thermal paste is available online and in stores selling computers and other electronics.
3
Put your computer back together. Once the new paste is on the processor, you can put the heatsink back in its place. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding your particular model.
- To keep your computer running smoothly, you can clean other parts, such as your keyboard, mouse, and monitor. You could also dust the internal components before fully closing it up.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Should I clean off thermal paste?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

If you're looking at some thermal paste and it looks even a little dried out or old, it's a good practice to get in the habit of cleaning it off and replacing the paste.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Can I use water to clean thermal paste?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

You can. I'm pretty fond of isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab, though. Alcohol isn't conductive so you won't need to worry about something going wrong so long as it's dry when you reassemble the computer.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 9
Question

How much thermal paste should you use?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

I usually put a small bit that's the size of a grain of rice right in the center of the heatsink. You really don't need a lot of it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5