Can you clarify what's happening with the thermal paste? It might help to know more details.

F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Can you clarify what's happening with the thermal paste? It might help to know more details.

Aragone
Member

224

12-20-2016, 08:45 AM

Hi everyone. I've been experiencing some PC problems for a while, but I'm keeping it general. Recently, after removing my cooler, I noticed the thermal paste had strange cracks forming. Do you have any suggestions on what might have caused this? The paste was only about six months old, and I don't remember the exact brand, though it was probably a well-known one. Also, I wasn't happy with how well it applied. Cheers.

Aragone

12-20-2016, 08:45 AM #1

Apple_Pie23
Junior Member

12-25-2016, 07:48 AM

It's an Intel i5 10400 running on a Z490 motherboard with a Cooler Master AIO cooler.

Apple_Pie23

12-25-2016, 07:48 AM #2

It's an Intel i5 10400 running on a Z490 motherboard with a Cooler Master AIO cooler.

rougestatus54
Junior Member

12-25-2016, 11:53 AM

The small bumps came mainly from surface tension, appearing after removing the cooler from the CPU. The application of the paste seems correct. How was the process carried out? Did you use a dot, line, or spread it evenly? What did the bottom of the cooler appear to be like?

rougestatus54

12-25-2016, 11:53 AM #3

myronvisser
Member

188

12-25-2016, 01:20 PM

I focused more on the unusual branch part lacking thermal paste. It’s not visible as clearly in the photo, but those spots are completely empty. I applied the dot technique and then attempted uniform pressure.

myronvisser

12-25-2016, 01:20 PM #4

SarityJr
Member

175

12-28-2016, 09:25 PM

Additionally, the paste appeared quite wet.

SarityJr

12-28-2016, 09:25 PM #5

Additionally, the paste appeared quite wet.

MrBotzz
Member

12-31-2016, 11:17 PM

Looks like the bottom might have gotten less pressure. What does the bottom of the cooler's CPU block look like? It could be a manufacturing imperfection. It's also possible the CPU had some kind of residue on it that prevented the paste from sticking.

MrBotzz

12-31-2016, 11:17 PM #6

HoundLynx
Member

233

01-01-2017, 02:40 AM

The block closely matched the missing sections. The residue could be a factor I hadn’t considered; I probably didn’t clean the surfaces as completely the previous time it separated.

HoundLynx

01-01-2017, 02:40 AM #7

The block closely matched the missing sections. The residue could be a factor I hadn’t considered; I probably didn’t clean the surfaces as completely the previous time it separated.

Zyr54
Junior Member

01-03-2017, 12:04 AM

A brief cleaning with isopropyl alcohol before applying the new paste is perfectly okay. Paper towels, napkins, cloths, and similar items work well. For a smoother finish, opt for a prep pad, gauze, or a coffee filter.

Zyr54

01-03-2017, 12:04 AM #8