Any device requires careful handling if you want it to work as long as possible. This is especially important for electronics, which can break down due to the banal dust or dirt that gets on them. For computer owners, it's also important to know how to replace thermal paste on a graphics card to protect it from overheating and breakage.
What is the need to replace the thermal paste on the
video card Some elements of the laptop system, the computer need good cooling. It's about the processor and video card, which are subjected to maximum load and can get very hot. To maintain the desired temperature, a cooler is used, which is part of the cooling system. It disperses the heat that accumulates on the radiator, which is in direct contact with the processor chip or video card.
For proper transfer between them a layer of special substance is applied, which provides a better heat output - this is the thermal paste. If it does not exist, the element will be warmed by 20-30% stronger, which can lead to breakdown or unstable operation of the PC under heavy loads. Doubts about whether you need to change the thermal paste on the video card does not remain, especially if you notice the extreme temperature of the chip on the sensors.
How to change the thermal paste on a video card on a computer
To replace the thermal paste on a video card, you need to unwind the part and separate the cooling system from the graphics core. It's relatively easy to do on a desktop computer and is much more difficult on a laptop. Please note that the factory paste in the overwhelming majority of cases is very high quality, capable of performing its functions for 2-3 years without replacement. If you unwind the part, the warranty will automatically be removed from it and you will not be able to take it for free repair to the service center. Replacement of thermal paste for the video card is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- Unplug the part.
- Unscrew the bolts that hold the cooler and radiator.
- Use a fleece, alcohol to remove the old layer. This will also help you degrease the surface to correctly apply a new thermal grease.
- Spread the substance, attach the radiator and screw back the cooling system.
As a rule, the old paste is withered, dense and slightly crumbled. If after the autopsy you saw that it is still fresh, then the problem in the temperature regime is not due to a violation of thermal conductivity. Replace the layer only in case of an explicit increase in heat dissipation by sensors. In all other situations, this procedure is not justified. This algorithm is also suitable for replacing paste on the processor.
How to apply thermal paste to a video card on a computer
To achieve the proper heat dissipation, it is necessary to be able to correctly apply a layer of thermal paste. The replacement of thermal paste on the video card is complicated by the fact that the substance is sticky and it is impossible to make it with fingers, besides, it is necessary to accurately calculate its quantity. Instructions how to apply thermal paste to the video card:
- After you have removed the old layer, degreased the surface, prepare a syringe( or tube) with thermal paste.
- Squeeze a small drop directly into the center of the chip.
- It is convenient to smear thermal grease with an unnecessary SIM card or plastic card.
- Carefully distribute the substance over the entire surface, there should be no bumps or depressions.
- Make sure that the paste is only on the chip itself, it should not get on other elements of the video card, so as not to disrupt their work.
- Refit the cooling system.
This is the most common method of application, but the manufacturers themselves in their instructions point to a slightly different method. They suggest simply dropping the thermal paste directly into the center of the chip and pressurizing the radiator of the cooling system from above. This is also a sure way, because only in the center is a "spot" of elevated temperature. The edges of the chip, as a rule, are practically not heated and do not need an additional heat conductor.
What thermal paste to choose for a video card
If you want to know which thermal paste is better for a video card, you first need to figure out what it can consist of. The connection of substances in the product depends on the thermal conductivity and some other characteristics. There are such types:
- Silicone. The most affordable option, but its effectiveness is also low. It is necessary to replace such pastes more often.
- Based on silver, ceramics. They have a better heat conductivity index than the first option. You can order them relatively inexpensively on the Internet.
- With copper. They are able to maintain their properties for a long time, reliable, do not pass current.
- Diamond paste. Today it is the most expensive option in all catalogs. It is necessary for people who are engaged in extreme overclocking of components, maintains its properties at a temperature of +300 degrees Celsius.
On the Internet you can find many offers of this product, it is not always clear what deserves attention and what does not. Below is a list of several inexpensive pastes that have proven themselves in various tests:
- Arctic Cooling MX-4.Excellent inexpensive option with a good heat conductivity index - 8.5 W / mK.For sale in tubes of 4 grams, the replacement of thermal paste on the video card can be carried out 2-3 times. If the chip is heated above 160 degrees, then the substance loses its properties.
- Thermalright Chill Factor III is another example of a good pasta with a low cost. The exact composition of the product is unknown, but the company managed to achieve good thermal resistance with low thermal conductivity. In the paste there is no silicone oil, which protects it from rapid drying. Sold for 4 grams, the manufacturer recommends replacing it every year.
- DEEPCOOL Z9.It is a famous manufacturer of coolers and cooling systems. Often thermal paste is included, but sometimes you have to buy it separately. The substance can withstand very high temperatures( up to 200 degrees).However, the thermal conductivity index is only 4 W / mK.
- ZALMAN ZM-STG2.Another product from a well-known company that supplies computer cases with an excellent ventilation system. This thermal paste for the video card has a price slightly higher than others, but tests have shown that after its application, the temperature drops by 10-13 degrees. This is a very tangible result. The substance loses its properties when it reaches a temperature of 150 degrees, so this is not the most suitable option for overclockers. Sold in syringes for 3.5 g.
- Coollaboratory Liquid PRO.This is an expensive option, which you can buy from an online store. One gram will have to pay 1,000 rubles. This thermal paste will be really relevant only for those users who are engaged in extreme overclocking of their components. The main disadvantage of this option is good current conductivity, aggressiveness to unprotected aluminum. This is dangerous for the system, if you slouch the layer and get to neighboring elements. This thermal paste does not dry with time, has the highest thermal conductivity.
Price of thermal paste for computer
Each owner on the above list can choose what thermal paste he needs for a video card. What remains is the last important question: what is the price of this product? Below are the estimated figures in popular online stores:
- Arctic Cooling MX-4 - 590 rubles;
- Thermalright Chill Factor III - 400 r.;
- DEEPCOOL Z9 - 460 r.;
- ZALMAN ZM-STG2 - 410 rubles;
- GELID GC-Extreme - 770 rubles;
- Glacialtech IceTherm II - 535 r.;
- Coollaboratory Liquid PRO - 100-р.