Can I run a CPU without thermal paste for about thirty minutes?

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Raven A

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Feb 2, 2015
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I purchased an i7 6700K from Amazon, which is still brand new in the box. However, I've just decided that I want to go the extra couple of bucks and get an i7 7700K. I will have to send the 6700K back in new condition (or rather, acceptable condition for them to resell it), and I should get a refund from Amazon.

The problem with this is, that my motherboard is an Asus Z170 Pro Gaming, and the BIOS will need to be updated for compatibility with the 7700K. So I figured I might try to update the BIOS using the 6700K, and then send it back to Amazon and install the 7700K. The thing is I would prefer not to use thermal paste, so the 6700K would visually be in new condition. Will this work or will it potentially damage the 6700K in such a short time? My CPU cooler is an Arctic Freezer i30.

Thanks!
 
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BFG-9000
Just use a drop of mineral oil--baby oil or motor oil and you will find it actually works better than any paste for a short time because it has no solids to thicken the layer. There's a reason those paste tests found mayonnaise to be an excellent TIM: it's half soybean oil. The problem with oil long term is of course it eventually pumps itself out of the interface with thermal cycles but you won't see that issue in 30 minutes.

The larger issue is the CPU will obviously be visibly used because the motherboard pins put dents into the pads on the underside.
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R_1

R_1

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you can, but not for long. Then you will need a new processor.

I would not suggest it unless you like to literally burn money.
without the TIM there is air between the surfaces and air is a heck of an insulator. the absolutely last thing you want between a heat source and a cooler is an insulator.

*TIM= Thermal Interface Material
 
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Deniedstingray

Deniedstingray

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Sure you could but it isn't a good idea. You can just clean the 6700k and it would look like new if you did a good job. The paste helps transfer the heat to the heatsink and the temps would probably be pretty high without any paste.
 
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azathoth

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You could if you're just updating the BIOS.
But the best and safest option is to simply put a TINY blob onto the CPU in the middle, Easily cleaned with even paper-towel after, and you will only need to worry about overheating if you're doing stress testing, which you're not.
 
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nzalog

nzalog

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Just clean it properly well with alcohol and it will look pristine, I think it's more likely to get scratched up without any thermal paste.

You probably could had bought a cheaper processor to do this with too.
 
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BFG-9000

BFG-9000

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Just use a drop of mineral oil--baby oil or motor oil and you will find it actually works better than any paste for a short time because it has no solids to thicken the layer. There's a reason those paste tests found mayonnaise to be an excellent TIM: it's half soybean oil. The problem with oil long term is of course it eventually pumps itself out of the interface with thermal cycles but you won't see that issue in 30 minutes.

The larger issue is the CPU will obviously be visibly used because the motherboard pins put dents into the pads on the underside.
 
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TJ Hooker

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I would make sure to take a good look at Amazon's return policy. Many stores charge a restocking fee (oftern around 15%) for items that were returned after opening that aren't defective in any way.

Also, if you just bought that mobo, there's a decent chance it will already have a recent BIOS that supports Kaby Lake.
 
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