CPU grease, also known as heat sink paste, is a material used to fill the gap between the CPU and the heat sink to help conduct heat. It is usually toothpaste-like and is gray or white in color (color has nothing to do with performance) 1.
The thermal conductivity of silicone grease is affected by the heat output of CPU and the heat dissipation capacity of heat sink. If the CPU temperature is too low, such as the i3 10100F these cpus are not hot, the thermal conductivity of silicone grease can not close the gap; The performance of the radiator itself is too close to the hip, such as a small-size single-tower radiator, the conducted heat can not be distributed in time, and the heat accumulation will also affect the effect 2.
Therefore, choosing the right silicone grease is crucial to keeping the CPU temperature normal. There are many different types of silicone grease to choose from on the market, and their thermal conductivity varies. In theory, the higher the thermal conductivity, the faster the heat transfer rate of the material, the better the thermal conductivity.
When choosing silicone grease, consider its thermal conductivity, price, and brand reputation. In addition, attention should also be paid to the use of silicone grease and replacement time. According to Zhihu's previous article 3, silicone grease does not need to be changed often. As long as it is not removed after applying silicone grease, it does not need to be replaced at all. If it is disassembled, it is necessary to clean up the original silicone grease and then apply a new one.