Typically, 0.1 to 0.2 grams of thermal paste is enough for most CPUs. This is usually equivalent to a pea-sized dot placed in the center of the processor.
In my experience, about 0.1 to 0.2 grams of thermal paste is perfect for most CPUs. A small pea-sized dot in the center of the CPU is usually all you need. This amount ensures good coverage and keeps things cool without excess paste spilling over.
What Is Thermal Paste And Do We Need It?
Thermal paste or thermal compound is to be capable of filling the minuscule depressions and spaces in the CPU surface and the heatsink. The role of thermal paste is that it will enhance thermal conductivity which ensures that heat is transferred, without any form of interference, from the processor into the cooler.
As the CPUs release a lot of heat during function, filling such a gap through thermal paste helps avoid instances such as overheating or even thermal throttling. Without thermal paste, air gaps would exist between the CPU and cooler. These would act as insulators, preventing cooling.
Modern thermal pastes are made of silicone, ceramic, or metal oxide, whose properties in terms of thermal conductivity vary. However, in essence, all the types of thermal paste try to maximize dissipation of heat and improve system cooling.
How much thermal paste should I apply to my CPU?
The amount you apply depends on numerous factors, but 0.1-0.2 grams or, roughly the size of a small pea is a pretty standard amount for most CPUs. Here are the details of what factors might change the amount of thermal paste you should apply:
1. Size and Shape of the CPU:
Different sizes of CPUs have different surface areas. For instance, the Core i9 or the Ryzen 9 may have an entirely different surface area from the Intel or AMD, respectively, compared to that of a Core i5, and the Ryzen 5. A heavier processor will need just a bit more thermal paste, but the difference is mostly negligible anyway (about 0.2 grams).
2. Type of Thermal Paste:
The amount of paste needed also depends on the type of thermal paste being used. Different pastes have different consistencies; some are thicker, and some are thinner. The spreading ability depends on the type of compound too. Examples include:
- Thin pastes (e.g., liquid metal) might use less paste as they can spread very efficiently.
- Thicker pastes (e.g., ceramic-based) may require a few extra for good spread.
Application Method:
1. Pea-sized Dot (or Rice Grain Method):
This is the most common and most convenient way. All you do is put a little, pea-sized dot about the size of a rice grain, in the middle of the CPU. The heatsink or cooler then puts just enough pressure to spread it across the surface evenly.
2. Spread Method:
In this process, the user manually applies an even layer of thermal paste across the surface of the CPU with a tool before the attachment of the heatsink. It can work well but is cumbersome as the application can easily go wrong on the side of either too much paste or an uneven layer. This results in poor heat transfer and, if excess paste spills onto the motherboard, damage.
3. Line or X Method:
Some users prefer to apply a thin line or an X shape of thermal paste across the CPU. This is done to make sure coverage across the whole surface. It can work if done correctly, but to prevent excess or too little application, that might need some careful control. It’s harder to perfect compared to the pea-sized dot method.
For many users, the pea-sized dot is the recommended and easiest way to apply thermal paste, ensuring even coverage with minimal risk of overuse.
Can You Use the Same Thermal Paste for CPU and GPU?
Yes, you can use the same type of thermal paste for both your CPU and GPU. Most thermal pastes are versatile and work well for both processors, but it’s important to ensure you apply the right amount to each component to maintain efficient cooling.
Is 2g of Thermal Paste Enough for a Laptop?
Yes, 2 grams of thermal paste is usually sufficient for a laptop. In applying thermal paste, you normally use an amount roughly the size of a pea or grain of rice. This small amount usually goes a long way for both CPU and GPU, in case the laptop has a dedicated graphics card, making sure that heat exchange is not oversized.
Thermal paste acts as an intermediary that allows the CPU cooler to dissipate heat from the processor, improving performance and avoiding overheating conditions. However, its application is critical and needs to be carried out as follows:
Application Tips for Thermal Paste:
1. Clean the CPU:
Always start with a clean surface. Make sure that old thermal paste is cleaned off on both sides. Now it will be time for the fresh paste.
2. Do Not Reuse Old Paste:
Never reuse your old thermal paste. It may create tiny air bubbles, and this will make the heat transfer less efficient.
3. Diligent Application Amount:
When applying, especially when using the **five-dot method**, be wary of over-applying some thermal paste. This will spill over onto parts of the motherboard or even the cooling system. For a small chip such as a **Socket AM4** CPU, only a tiny amount is sufficient.
4. Don’t Skip the Paste:
Never go running your laptop without thermal paste, especially if you’re gaming or performing intense tasks. The CPU and GPU won’t be able to dissipate heat without it, thereby leading to potential thermal throttling, or even permanent damage.
Why Less Is More: The Danger of Over-Applying Thermal Paste!
One common application error is applying too much thermal paste. Although using more of the paste may seem like it should help increase cooling, in fact it can cause a lot of problems:
- Overheating: Using too much paste tends to act as an insulator rather than a heat conductor, trapping heat rather than sending it out.
- Slop-over: If the excess thermal paste spills over the edges of the CPU, it can cause mess, and eventually damage the motherboard or the fitted components.
- Pressure is not equally distributed: Excess paste can also cause pressure unevenly during the installation of the heatsink, which may lead to poor contact between the CPU and cooler.
That means the quantity of thermal paste is minimal and controlled. The paste should just reach the surface of the CPU when applying the cooler; it should not overflow.
How to Apply Thermal Paste Correctly?
With these steps, proper application of thermal paste in quite easy:
1. Surface Cleaning:
Just before applying new thermal paste, make sure that the top of the CPU and the bottom of the heatsink are cleaned with isopropyl alcohol 90% and above. This will remove the old ones and ensure better adhesion from the new surface.
2. Apply a Teaspoon Droplet Size:
You’ll need only a teaspoon-sized droplet of the thermal paste in the middle of the CPU. Do not smear it. Just apply a small droplet.
3. Mount your cooler:
Position the CPU cooler over your processor after applying the paste. As you push it down, the paste should spread over the processor’s surface area.
4. Secure the Cooler:
Secure the cooler screws in a diagonal pattern; if your cooler requires two screws, ensure even pressure on the CPU. Avoid over torquing, as this can damage the CPU or motherboard.
5. Check the Coverage:
Once you install it, assuming you can take the cooler off again (as in a test setup), you can check whether thermal paste spread evenly. You should be able to see an even, thin layer of paste covering most of the surface of the CPU.
How Many Grams of Thermal Paste Per CPU?
That is to say, the amount of paste to use should be around 0.1 to 0.2 grams for every CPU. That translates to a small pea-sized dot in dimension. That should be enough to provide excellent thermal conductivity and cooling performance without overapplication.
Quick summary:
- Small-sized CPUs (for example, mid-range Intel or AMD chips): This will require approximately 0.1 grams.
- Large-sized CPUs (such as high-end Intel Core i9, AMD Ryzen 9): Around 0.2 grams.
Consider the fact that too much paste does not lead to cooling and might damage your setup. Therefore, always use just enough quantity to fill the microscopic gap between the CPU and cooler for the best thermal performance.
FAQs:
Is 1g of Thermal Paste Enough for a CPU?
Yes, 1 gram of thermal paste is more than enough for several applications. Most people find that 0.1 to 0.2 grams is sufficient for a single CPU, so a 1g syringe or tube should last for multiple uses.
How Many Grams Should I Put on My CPU?
You don’t need much. A pea-sized amount or small bean-sized application will do. 2 grams of thermal paste is normally enough to cover a CPU and a GPU.
How Much Thermal Paste to Use on AM4 CPU?
To apply thermal paste to an AM4 CPU, you will use one of two very common methods:
- One 3mm dot applied in the center of the CPU.
- One large center dot with four smaller dots on the edges (known as the “five-dot” method).
Both methods will suffice, but avoid applying too much paste, especially with the **five-dot method, as the AM4 CPU is rather small.
Too Little Thermal Paste?
Applying too little thermal paste in the first place will not cover the whole area and thus diminish heat transfer efficiency. Consider a 30mm x 30mm CPU, where 0.2 ml (or 0.2 grams) would be sufficient. You can also find the exact amount you need for your CPU by consulting with a Thermal Paste Calculator.
Is Too Much Thermal Paste Bad for the CPU?
Yes, using too much thermal paste can be destructive. Excess paste squeezed out when a cooler is placed upon the CPU may spill over onto the edges of the components, affecting other components. That could be messy and in actuality reduces cooling performance, because the thickness of the paste-layer hinders transfer of heat.
Is 3.5g of Thermal Paste Enough?
A 3.5-gram syringe of thermal paste can cover 15 to 25 small CPUs or 6 to 10 large CPUs. This is enough for several applications or even multiple builds, making it ideal if you’re working on several systems or need to reapply paste to multiple parts.
Conclusion:
You only need about 0.1 to 0.2 grams of thermal paste for most CPUs, which is roughly the size of a pea. Applying too much can cause overheating and mess, while too little can affect cooling. Just use a small amount to keep your CPU cool and running smoothly.
