Cooling and thermal paste

In short: Processors and graphics cards produce heat that must be removed. Coolers, fans and thermal paste do this.

In more detail: Thermal paste fills tiny unevenness between processor and cooler base so heat transfers well. Air coolers (heat sink and fan) are simple and reliable. Water coolers (AIO) carry the heat to a radiator.

In Depth

• Applying: a pea-sized amount in the middle; the mounting pressure spreads it. Too much does little harm, too little causes hotspots.
• Replacing: every few years or when temperatures rise.
• Case airflow: cool air in at the front and bottom, warm air out at the top and back. Positive pressure keeps dust out.
• Fan curve: quiet at idle, stronger under load.
• Dust: Remove with compressed air every few months (hold the fans still).
• Laptops: Use on a hard surface, keep vents free.

See also: TDP and thermal throttling, Netzteil (PSU) und 80 PLUS