Thermals, Throttling & Rage Quits: How to Actually Cool Your PC Without Breaking
4. Thermal Paste: The Unsung Hero

The application of thermal paste is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of PC cooling. Thermal paste fills microscopic gaps between the CPU or GPU and the heat sink, ensuring efficient heat transfer. Over time, thermal paste can dry out, reducing its effectiveness. Regularly reapplying thermal paste, especially when upgrading or maintaining your PC, can prevent unnecessary thermal buildup. When choosing thermal paste, consider options with high thermal conductivity and low thermal resistance for optimal performance. Proper application technique is equally important, as too much or too little paste can impede heat transfer.