Thermal Paste
A heat-conducting compound applied between the CPU/GPU chip and heatsink. It dries out over 3–5 years — replacing it is one of the most effective fixes for laptop overheating.
Thermal paste (also called thermal compound or thermal interface material) is applied in a thin layer between the CPU or GPU chip and the metal heatsink that sits on top of it. Its job is to fill microscopic air gaps in the metal surfaces — air is a poor heat conductor, thermal paste is not.
Without thermal paste, heat transfer from the chip to the heatsink would be significantly less efficient, causing temperatures to spike rapidly under load. A good thermal paste with proper application can reduce CPU temperatures by 10–20°C compared to no paste or dried-out paste.
Thermal paste dries and cracks over time — typically after 3–5 years of use in Singapore’s heat. Once dried, it loses much of its conductivity. CPU temperatures spike, triggering thermal throttling, causing performance to drop, fans to run at full speed, and the laptop to run hot to the touch.
Replacing dried thermal paste (repasting) is one of the most cost-effective laptop repairs. It typically takes 45–60 minutes and can restore full sustained performance on laptops that were previously throttling badly.
| Type | Conductivity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard paste (e.g. Kryonaut) | 12.5 W/mK | Most laptops |
| High-performance paste (e.g. Kryonaut Extreme) | 14.2 W/mK | High-TDP gaming chips |
| Liquid metal (e.g. Conductonaut) | ~73 W/mK | Gaming laptops, professional only |
How often should thermal paste be replaced on a laptop? +
Every 3–5 years is the general recommendation, or immediately if the laptop is overheating or throttling. In Singapore’s heat, 3 years is a more realistic interval. High-quality pastes like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut last longer than budget pastes.
Can I apply thermal paste myself? +
On some laptops, yes — if you’re comfortable disassembling the laptop to access the heatsink. Incorrect application (too much paste, wrong pattern, contamination) can make temperatures worse. For most users, professional repasting is the safer option, especially for thin laptops where the heatsink is difficult to access without risk.
What is the best thermal paste for laptops in Singapore? +
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is widely regarded as the benchmark for laptop repasting — excellent conductivity, long lifespan, and non-electrically conductive so a small spill won’t short the board. For gaming laptops pushing high TDP, Kryonaut Extreme or liquid metal (professional application) gives an additional margin.
How much does repasting cost in Singapore? +
Repasting is available at Affordable Laptop Services with Thermal Grizzly paste as standard. Free diagnosis to confirm whether repasting alone will solve the overheating, or whether fan replacement or liquid metal is needed.
Free thermal diagnosis. Repasting with Thermal Grizzly, fan cleaning, or liquid metal. Same-day service.
