Thermal paste only works half the way.

Flaffino

Distinguished
May 26, 2016
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18,535
I properly cleaned my cpu and cooler with 90% alcohol and reapplied mx-4 thermal paste.
I am using speedfan and CPUID HWMonitor Pro to monitor temperatures.
Now to my issue: My cpu idles at around 40° depending on room temp which is better than before however under load and just internet browsing it goes up to 70°.
 
Solution
so either

a) you put thermal paste on wrong

b) you didn't install the cooler tight enough (correctly) to make good contact through the presumably thin layer of thermal paste and conduct the heat away.

c) airflow in your case is poor and the heat has nowhere to go, so it builds up.

so either

a) you put thermal paste on wrong

b) you didn't install the cooler tight enough (correctly) to make good contact through the presumably thin layer of thermal paste and conduct the heat away.

c) airflow in your case is poor and the heat has nowhere to go, so it builds up.

 
Solution