
There has by no means been a solidified means of the most effective approach in terms of making use of the thermal paste on {hardware} elements, primarily in terms of GPUs & CPUs. Application strategies, corresponding to a central software, a cross design, one strong line, and extra various kinds, have been mentioned in a significant context in PC DIY circles.
“Sausage-style” thermal paste software for GPUs ends in 5 levels distinction above all different strategies.
Igor Wallossek, proprietor and pc professional on the web site Igor’s Lab, put all strategies to the check to reply the query of the most effective course of total. The closing consequence resulted in a distinction of 5 levels celsius in comparison with the least used strategies.
In the examine by Wallossek on his web site, he discusses how essential correct thermal paste software is for giant graphics playing cards. He notes that where smaller GPUs run into this downside, a lot much less, extra vital, and better performing graphics playing cards current surfaces that aren’t even and are susceptible to distortion below pressures from the cooling assemblage.
Wccftech and different information shops initially reported the Alder Lake processors to warp because of the uneven mounting brackets, which have now been fastened with newer bracket designs. Another spotlight he mentions earlier than testing is guaranteeing that the earlier thermal paste has been eradicated from the meeting earlier than reapplying the brand new thermal paste.

Wallossek declares that the big hole between GPU and cooler causes insufficient cooling and that utilizing a “high-viscosity thermal paste” is very advisable. Products, such because the Arctic MX-2 and Arctic MX-4, are ones he wouldn’t suggest however would counsel Alphacools Apex, Subzero, or what he calls “the old Gelid PC Extreme.”
Before making use of the brand new thermal paste to the GPU, he suggests rising the paste’s temperature by warming the tube in your palms or pockets and guaranteeing that the die on the GPU shouldn’t be cool to the contact. Wallossek additionally suggests using a hair dryer to hold the viscous paste malleable.
When he discusses the assorted strategies of making use of paste onto the die, Wallossek used a painted GPU with three completely different software strategies:
- the usual manufacturing facility pasted technique
- the central blob software
- a vertical straight line down the center, often known as the titular sausage technique
Methods not examined had been:
- the central cross
- making use of the paste with a flat object throughout the die
- a number of complicated patterns
The clear winner of the most effective software for GPU dies is making use of the thermal paste down the center whereas together with a selected fashion of screw pressure. To make the applying appropriately, he suggests putting the cooling meeting straight onto the GPU with none sliding or massive actions, making use of a minor quantity of pressure to at least one facet of the physique with facet pairing screws.
Following is the ultimate consequence printed by Igor’s Lab:

Then, he suggests including the extra screws to the opposite facet of the meeting after which tightening both sides little by little till all the cooling physique is reattached. Doing this technique that he suggests warranted a five-degree distinction in comparison with all different procedures advisable by some producers and DIYers. We know that majority of the customers will go together with the reference utilized TIM however tell us what fashion you favor when making use of paste your self.
What TIM software do you favor in your CPU & GPU?
News Sources: Toms Hardware, Igors Lab