The stable operation of a laptop depends on many factors, including cluttering the system drive and the state of iron. The latter is worth a closer look. It is known that the longer and more often a computer is used, the faster many parts wear out due to heating.
One of the reasons for slowing down the performance is the destruction of thermal paste on the processor.
This article will talk about how often to change the thermal grease on the laptop processor, is it mandatory to do this, and if so, how to perform this action.
The concept
This paste is a composition for providing thermal conductivity. It is applied to the processor, and a cooler is installed on top for cooling. This composition is used as a substitute for air between contacting parts. Now it’s worth turning to the answers to the questions: how often to change thermal grease in a laptop? What types and brands exist?
Varieties
At present, the following three groups of this material are distinguished:
- paste heat-conducting composition;
- the same composition, only with glue content;
- liquid metal.
Now we can distinguish the following companies that have established themselves as the best manufacturers:
- AlSil-3;
- Titan Silver Grease;
- Cooler Master;
- KPT-8.
It is worth noting that the choice of the manufacturer also determines how often it is necessary to change the thermal paste in the laptop. In general, your choice is not limited only to these representatives. You can use both domestic materials and foreign ones. However, it is worth noting that the former have a more fluid consistency, which greatly facilitates the work procedure.
It will not be superfluous to get acquainted with what the manufacturers of the processor advise. Often on official sites you can find information about which material is best suited for working with this part.
What is thermal padding?
This element is a small elastic sheet. On it is the base and filler. The best option is to have a silicone base, it will last longer.
Thermal padding is used when the distance between the cooler and the processor is large enough, and the standard thermal paste layer will be useless.
Attention! Do not try to fill a large space with a thick layer of paste. In this case, you risk burning the processor.
It is not recommended to purchase this part from unverified manufacturers. Otherwise, it will have to be changed in less than a year.
When do I need to change thermal grease in a laptop? The main symptom and frequency
The most basic sign of the need for repair is strong laptop heating. It will manifest itself not only in games, but also when working with documents, when the load on the processor is not too large.
In the event that you have computer skills and the necessary materials, you can change the thermal grease yourself. Once a year.
And how often do you need to change thermal grease in a laptop for those who do not have the necessary knowledge and skills? In this case, this procedure is necessary only if absolutely necessary, when the operation of the device becomes too unstable.
You can also note such criteria for the frequency of replacement of the composition:
- if the laptop is used as an office device, then this should be done once during a year or two years;
- if the system unit is used as office equipment, then you can change the paste no more than once every three or four years;
- But how often do you need to change the thermal paste in a laptop or system unit, used as a gaming platform? At least once a year.
Before changing
Before proceeding with the independent replacement of thermal paste, you must remember the following:
- apply the composition as carefully and accurately as possible;
- Never touch electronic components. The paste contains metal chips, which makes it an excellent conductor.
In case of violation of these rules, a short circuit may occur. As a result, the important electronic components of the laptop will be broken.
What is needed for replacement?
We figured out how often you need to change thermal grease in a laptop and what you need to know in order not to break the device. Now, let's go through the list of what you need to have with you for a quality replacement:
- Tube of thermal paste. Only a small part of it will be used. Do not waste money on packages that are too large.
- A slotted and Phillips screwdriver to remove the bottom cover of the laptop and cooler.
- A plastic card for uniform application of the composition to the top of the processor.
- Stationery knife and a soft napkin. Do not use materials with abrasive properties. Spools or scratches remaining on the processor will adversely affect thermal conductivity.
Now that we have answered the question of how often thermal paste needs to be changed in a laptop and what is needed for this, we can proceed to the instructions for replacing this material itself.
How to replace?
Before starting the process, make sure that all the necessary tools for work are at hand. Now the algorithm itself:
- First you need to remove the battery from the laptop. Most often, it is not screwed on and is easily pulled out when a small bolt or slider is shifted.
- Now you need to carefully unscrew and remove the bottom cover of the laptop. In the process, try not to damage the plastic parts, since the lid can be removed quite hard.
- Carefully clean the surface under the lid of accumulated dust.
- At this stage, it is necessary to remove the remnants of already dried pasta. In order not to scatter its fragments throughout the board, it is worth using alcohol to soften. After this, the treated surface must be dried.
- Now that the site has been prepared, carefully apply a thin layer of thermal paste to the surface of the processor. To level the composition, you must use a plastic card or something similar.
- Now you need to install the cooling radiator back. During installation, pay attention to whether thermal grease is squeezed out when pressure is applied to the surface. If this happens, remove the radiator and carefully remove excess composition with a card.
- After the correction, you can assemble the laptop in the reverse order.