Do CPUs Come with Pre-applied Thermal Paste?

Many people wonder if CPUs come with pre-applied thermal paste. This is especially true for those new to PC building. It’s common to think a CPU will have thermal paste if it’s a boxed CPU. Usually, CPUs sold with coolers have paste already on them. On the other hand, tray CPUs usually come without coolers or paste. This means you’ll need to buy your own. Knowing this difference is key for keeping your CPU cool and managing heat well. For more info, read this detailed article¹.

Key Takeaways

• Not all CPUs have pre-applied thermal paste; only boxed ones usually do.
• It’s crucial for new builders to know the difference between tray and boxed CPUs.
• Using good thermal paste can improve your CPU’s performance and cooling.
• AMD CPUs come with pre-applied paste only with a stock cooler.
• Applying the correct amount of paste is essential for proper heat transfer.

Understanding Thermal Paste

Thermal paste, also known as thermal compound, is key for a CPU and its cooler to work well together. It helps in keeping the CPU cool by ensuring heat moves away efficiently.

What is Thermal Paste?

The term thermal paste definition refers to a special compound used between a CPU and its cooler. Its main job is to fill tiny gaps that could block heat from moving properly. There are many kinds of thermal paste, like liquid metal, silicon-based, and ceramic-based ones. Among them, silicon-based thermal paste stands out for cooling, safety, and being easy on the wallet².

Importance of Thermal Paste in CPU Performance

Putting the right amount of thermal paste is crucial for the CPU to stay cool. Not using enough can cause overheating and slow down the CPU. It’s important to spread the paste well, which can be done with a spatula or another tool. This ensures the CPU works efficiently and lasts longer³.

Knowing about thermal paste and how to use it correctly can really help improve CPU performance³.

Do CPUs Come with Pre-applied Thermal Paste?

Many users wonder if CPUs have pre-applied thermal paste. Most CPUs do not come with it pre-applied. However, stock coolers usually have thermal paste already on them⁴. This helps beginners who may not know how to apply thermal paste.

Stock Coolers and Thermal Paste

Certain Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 CPUs come with pre-applied thermal paste. For instance, the Ryzen 5 5600X and Ryzen 5 3600 have it⁵. The second and third generations of Ryzen 7 processors also come with it on their coolers⁵. But, most Ryzen 9 CPUs do not have coolers or thermal paste included⁵.

Pre-applied paste on coolers makes managing CPU temperature easier for users.

Aftermarket Coolers and Their Thermal Paste

Aftermarket coolers either have paste pre-applied or include a tube of paste⁴. Choosing high-quality thermal paste can lower temperatures more than stock options⁴. For example, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut greatly reduces temperatures in high-performance systems⁴. This is key for setups that need the best cooling possible.

Types of CPUs That Typically Include Thermal Paste

Knowing which CPUs come with thermal paste is key to a better computing experience. Different brands have their own rules about thermal paste, especially AMD and Intel.

AMD CPUs with Bundled Coolers

Some AMD CPUs, like the Ryzen 5 7600, come with coolers that already have thermal paste. This means you don’t have to worry about finding a cooling solution right away. For example, the Ryzen 9 series often includes Wraith Prism coolers with thermal paste, helping manage heat well.

Intel CPUs with Bundled Coolers

Intel takes a different stance. Many of their CPUs, such as the Core i7-13700 without a “K” suffix, come with a Laminar RM1 cooler and thermal paste. But, high-end models, especially those marked “X” or “K”, usually don’t have coolers or thermal paste. They’re made for custom cooling setups. Monitoring CPU temperatures in real-time is key for controlling heat, which keeps your computer running smoothly and lasts longer⁶⁷.

So, knowing which CPUs come with thermal paste and coolers can make setting up your computer easier. It shows the different ways AMD and Intel work to improve your experience.

The Reliability of Pre-applied Thermal Paste

Pre-applied thermal paste helps CPUs work right from the start. Yet, its performance might not be as good as that of high-end options. Different systems use different quality pastes. More expensive setups often use the best pastes. Cheaper ones may use lower-quality versions to save money⁸.

Performance of Stock Thermal Paste

For basic tasks, stock thermal paste works okay. But, it can fail over time. Dryness and cracking may happen, leading to poor heat handling. This causes higher temperatures. You should think about getting new paste every few years for the best cooling⁹.

Good thermal paste can last 2 to 5 years. Its life depends on how the system is used⁹.

When to Replace Pre-applied Thermal Paste

Replace your paste if your PC has heating problems or if you’re overclocking. Overclocking makes computers hotter. You should clean old paste off yearly. When putting on new paste, a small, pea-sized dot spread evenly works best. Too much paste can mess up cooling¹⁰.

If you use your computer a lot or have a gaming system, check the paste more often. High demand systems need better care⁸. Keeping an eye on thermal paste performance and changing it when needed keeps your CPU in top shape.

Comparing Stock and Aftermarket Solutions

Choosing between stock vs aftermarket coolers affects your computer’s performance. Aftermarket options often outperform stock coolers. They are designed for those who want to get the most out of their systems.

Aftermarket coolers are better at cooling. They can lower CPU temperatures by up to 20 degrees Celsius¹¹. This is great for gamers or anyone using intensive applications. While stock coolers are budget-friendly, they might not handle heavy use well. But aftermarket coolers are reliable and often come with longer warranties and are quieter¹¹.

Best Thermal Pastes for High Performance

Using a high-quality thermal paste is key for top CPU performance. An aftermarket paste could improve temperatures by about 5°C under heavy loads¹². Even affordable options under $10 perform better than what comes pre-applied¹².

The Arctic MX-4 and Prolimatech PK-3 Nano Aluminum are top choices. They’re known for their excellent thermal properties. PK-3, for example, lasts around 7 years¹³. It’s a good idea to replace your thermal paste every two to three years to keep cooling efficient¹². This keeps your CPU cool, boosting performance and prolonging its life.

Common Misconceptions About Thermal Paste

Many people have misconceptions about thermal paste. This can lead to confusion when buying or installing CPUs. It’s vital to know the truth about boxed and tray CPUs to make wise choices.

Do All CPUs Come with Thermal Paste?

Some think all CPUs come with thermal paste. This isn’t completely true. Boxed CPUs, which include a cooler, usually have thermal paste pre-applied. However, tray CPUs, sold without coolers, don’t come with thermal paste. This means the user must apply it themselves. Knowing this is vital for those building custom systems on a budget.

Tray CPUs vs. Boxed CPUs

Choosing between tray and boxed CPUs involves several considerations. Boxed CPUs are more user-friendly for novices because they come with a cooler and thermal paste. Tray CPUs, however, are for system integrators and enthusiasts who prefer selecting their cooling solutions. This choice impacts not just installation but also CPU’s thermal performance.

There are myths about using alternatives like chocolate spread or toothpaste as thermal paste. Such choices result in failure, causing leaks and attracting dirt, with a 0% success rate compared to proper thermal interface materials (TIM)¹⁴. Moreover, applying thermal paste correctly is crucial. Techniques like the dot or line often lead to incomplete coverage¹⁴.

Knowing thermal paste’s unique properties is essential for best performance. A thicker paste doesn’t always mean better efficiency¹⁵. To avoid problems, it’s important to keep surfaces clean and apply an even thermal paste layer¹⁶. Not doing so can increase thermal resistance, hurting performance.

Conclusion

Whether CPUs come with thermal paste depends on the brand, type, and user choice. Most CPUs sold in boxes already have thermal paste for better heat transfer¹⁷¹⁸. Yet, top-end models might need you to buy your own. This is to get the best heat transfer.

Choosing their own thermal paste helps enthusiast builders. They can pick the paste that suits their needs¹⁷¹⁸. There are many better options out there. They can handle different situations and boost cooling. Knowing about different types of paste helps keep your CPU cool and avoids overheating. It also helps your CPU last longer.

Keeping an eye on CPU temps and changing the paste when needed is good advice. This keeps your cooling system working well¹⁷. By taking care of your cooling system, your CPU works better for longer. Spending time and effort on this pays off for your computer’s performance.

Source Links

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