If the material is ordinary CPU thermal paste, remove it from both the processor’s heat spreader and the cooler’s cold plate, let both surfaces dry, then apply fresh paste before reinstalling the cooler. “Polishing paste” can also mean a separate metal polish; if that is what you used, identify the product and follow its label and the cooler maker’s guidance rather than putting thermal paste over an unknown film.
First, identify what is on the cold plate
Thermal interface material fills tiny gaps between the CPU heat spreader and cooler base so heat can transfer to the cooler. Intel describes this purpose in its processor thermal-interface guidance. If you used a separate metal-polishing compound, the thermal-paste cleaning instructions below do not establish that it is safe to remove with the same solvent or method. Check the polish label and cooler manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding; do not apply new thermal paste over an unidentified residue.
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What you need
- A lint-free cloth, microfiber cloth, or other non-shedding towel.
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), if needed and compatible with the product instructions.
- Fresh thermal paste, unless the cooler has an intact factory-applied layer.
Intel recommends IPA with a microfiber or non-shedding towel, and AMD specifies IPA with a lint-free cloth. Noctua says some of its thermal compounds can be wiped away dry, while IPA or its cleaning wipes may also be used; follow the instructions for your particular paste and cooler.
The Tool Desk
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- Shut down the PC and remove the cooler carefully. Follow the cooler’s installation or removal instructions. AMD warns that hardened thermal grease can make cooler removal difficult and could damage the CPU, so do not force a stuck cooler; use the maker’s removal method with care.
- Wipe the CPU heat spreader. Remove the old compound from the metal lid with a lint-free cloth. Use IPA if dry wiping does not remove it, following the paste maker’s directions.
- Clean the cooler’s cold plate. Wipe away old compound from the contact surface with a lint-free cloth and IPA as appropriate. For hardened residue, iFixit’s thermal-paste removal procedure describes gently lifting solidified material and wiping the remainder with a coffee filter or lint-free cloth and IPA at 90% concentration or greater. Avoid metal blades and abrasive scrubbing, which can scratch the contact surface.
- Let both surfaces dry completely. Before applying new paste, check that the CPU and cooler base are clean, dry, and free of compound residue and grease, as Noctua’s cleaning guidance specifies.
Apply fresh thermal paste and reinstall the cooler
- Check for pre-applied paste. If the cooler is new and already has thermal paste on its base, Intel says not to add more.
- Follow the paste maker’s application directions. Intel’s general guidance describes using a pea- or rice-sized amount and allowing cooler pressure to spread it, but application methods can vary by product. Use the instructions for the paste you have rather than assuming one pattern suits every compound.
- Mount the cooler using its instructions. Tighten and secure it as directed by the cooler manufacturer so the cold plate sits correctly against the CPU.
Intel, AMD, and Noctua all advise cleaning the mating surfaces before installation or reinstallation. Once a cooler has been removed, Intel’s guidance supports cleaning off the disturbed compound and applying fresh paste rather than relying on the old layer.
#1 Best Overall
- CONSISTENT QUALITY: Our thermal paste packaging design has evolved over time, but the formula has remained the same, ensuring reliable performance.
- EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste is made of carbon microparticles, guaranteeing extremely high thermal conductivity. This ensures that heat from the CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly & efficiently
- SAFE APPLICATION: The MX-4 is metal-free and non-electrical conductive which eliminates any risks of causing short circuit, adding more protection to the CPU and VGA cards
- HIGH DURABILITY: In contrast to metal and silicon thermal compound, the MX-4 does not compromise over time. Once applied, you do not need to apply it again as it will last at least for 8 years
- EASY TO APPLY: With an ideal consistency, the MX-4 is very easy to use, even for beginners
Choosing a cleaning method
For ordinary thermal grease, the goal is the same regardless of method: leave both mating surfaces dry and free of residue without scratching them. A lint-free cloth is central to the manufacturer guidance; IPA is a common aid when wiping alone is not enough. Noctua permits dry wiping for its own compounds, while iFixit specifies at least 90% IPA for the dried-residue procedure in its repair guide. Those are source-specific directions, not a guarantee that every solvent is suitable for every paste, cooler, or metal polish.
Arctic Silver describes ArctiClean as a two-step cleaner for thermal grease or pads and surface preparation. It is an optional specialty product, not necessary for routine repasting; consult its current directions before use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEXT-LEVEL THERMAL PERFORMANCE: MX-7 features a performance-optimized, dense, and highly viscous consistency. Its high filler content ensures exceptional heat transfer
- LONG-TERM STABILITY: High cohesion prevents pump-out, dry-out, or bleeding even under repeated thermal cycles, ensuring long-lasting and consistent performance without the need for frequent reapplication
- PERFECT APPLICATION: MX-7 cannot be spread manually by design. Its low adhesion allows the paste to distribute naturally under cooler pressure, forming a thin bond line without trapping air bubbles
- SAFE FOR ALL DEVICES: MX-7 is electrically non-conductive and non-capacitive, making it completely safe for CPUs, GPUs, laptops, consoles, and other, no risk of short circuits or electrical discharge
- EFFORTLESS CLEANING WITH MX CLEANER: Removes old thermal paste thoroughly, preparing contact surfaces for optimal performance. Also available as a convenient bundle with MX-7
Rank #4
- NEXT-LEVEL THERMAL PERFORMANCE: MX-7 features a performance-optimized, dense, and highly viscous consistency. Its high filler content ensures exceptional heat transfer
- LONG-TERM STABILITY: High cohesion prevents pump-out, dry-out, or bleeding even under repeated thermal cycles, ensuring long-lasting and consistent performance without the need for frequent reapplication
- PERFECT APPLICATION: MX-7 cannot be spread manually by design. Its low adhesion allows the paste to distribute naturally under cooler pressure, forming a thin bond line without trapping air bubbles
- SAFE FOR ALL DEVICES: MX-7 is electrically non-conductive and non-capacitive, making it completely safe for CPUs, GPUs, laptops, consoles, and other, no risk of short circuits or electrical discharge
- INCLUDES MX CLEANER: Thoroughly removes old thermal paste and prepares contact surfaces for optimal performance before applying new thermal compound.
Rank #3
- SAFETY APPLICATION: BSFF is metal-free and non-conductive, which eliminates any risk of short circuit and adds more protection to the CPU and VGA card.
- BETTER THAN LIQUID METAL: It is made of carbon microparticles, guaranteeing extremely high thermal conductivity. This ensures that heat from the CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly & efficiently.
- HIGH DURABILITY: BSFF thermal paste Edition formula has excellent component heat dissipation performance and has the stability to push the system to the limit.
- EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: In contrast to metal and silicon thermal conductive adhesives, BSFF thermal paste will not compromise over time. After applying, you do not need to apply again because it will last at least 5 years.
- EASY TO APPLY: BSFF thermal paste has ideal consistency and is very easy to use even for beginners
Rank #2
- WELL PROVEN QUALITY: The design of our thermal paste packagings has changed several times, the formula of the composition has remained unchanged, so our MX pastes have stood for high quality
- EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE: ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste is made of carbon microparticles, guaranteeing extremely high thermal conductivity. This ensures that heat from the CPU/GPU is dissipated quickly & efficiently
- SAFE APPLICATION: The MX-4 is metal-free and non-electrical conductive which eliminates any risks of causing short circuit, adding more protection to the CPU and VGA cards
- 100 % ORIGINAL THROUGH AUTHENTICITY CHECK: Through our Authenticity Check, it is possible to verify the authenticity of every single product
- EASY TO APPLY: With an ideal consistency, the MX-4 is very easy to use, even for beginners, Spatula incl.
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