Thermal paste (also called thermal compound, thermal grease, or TIM – Thermal Interface Material) is a heat-conductive substance used to improve heat transfer between a computer processor (CPU or GPU) and its heat sink or cooler.
Why it’s needed:
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Surfaces of CPUs and heatsinks are not perfectly flat — they have microscopic gaps and air pockets.
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Air is a poor conductor of heat.
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Thermal paste fills these tiny gaps, removing air and allowing heat to flow efficiently from the processor to the heatsink.
Key points:
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Material: Usually made from silicone compounds with metal oxides, ceramic, or even liquid metal for high performance.
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Application: A thin, even layer is applied on the CPU/GPU before attaching the heatsink.
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Purpose: Helps keep processors cooler, prevents overheating, and ensures stable performance.
⚠️ Too much paste can trap heat, and too little won’t cover gaps properly — so correct application is important.
SI Unit: W/m·K (Watt per meter per Kelvin)
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This means how many watts of heat pass through 1 meter thickness of material for a 1 Kelvin temperature difference.
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