Can I boot a computer without thermal paste?

[Aqian1]

So recently I took out my heatsink to clean off the dust. I was worried that I might have damaged a part of the motherboard when taking out the heatsink and want to plug it back in to test if the computer still functions or not. Is it risky to boot on a computer if you have no thermal paste on the cpu? I would not be using it for extended periods of time just to check if its working or not.

 

[clarkjd]

Will you not be using the CPU cooler as well? It is not a good idea to leave either of them off.

 

[mjslakeridge]

Google "thermal paste alternatives". Some have used toothpaste (non-gritty), or a mixture of toothpaste and vaseline for a few boots. Certainly not a long-term solution but should allow you to test whether the system still boots.

 

[mcnumpty23]

it will run without thermal paste

its recommended to use thermal paste but not strictly 100% necessary--its to fill any small gaps between the base of the heatsink and the cpu

if it got too hot it would shut down any way

 

[JamesSneed]

It should be fine if you have to do it but it will run hot. Oddly you can use toothpaste if it runs to hot but this will only last a few days.