Do I NEED Thermal Paste?

camel_pilot

Reputable
Aug 1, 2014
4
0
4,510
I'm having to rebuild my PC after I replaced my motherboard last week, and I've just realised that I have no thermal paste...
I've ordered some more paste but it wont arrive to next week so being impatient, can I go without for a bit?

The CPU is a Phenom ii x4 955 BE and I'm just wondering if I can at least set it up and get the computer running without it? I'm using a good aftermarket cooler, so do you reckon that will be enough for over the weekend?

 
Solution
Thermal paste fills in the microscopic gaps between the two surfaces. Without it your contact area is smaller. That doesn't mean you've got no contact though. It's fine to run without it for a while, you just won't have ideal thermal conductivity. Make sure it is clamped down well to maximise the contact area.

There's always toothpaste if you feel the need to put something on there :lol:

randomizer

Champion
Moderator
Thermal paste fills in the microscopic gaps between the two surfaces. Without it your contact area is smaller. That doesn't mean you've got no contact though. It's fine to run without it for a while, you just won't have ideal thermal conductivity. Make sure it is clamped down well to maximise the contact area.

There's always toothpaste if you feel the need to put something on there :lol:
 
Solution