01.What is Thermal Paste and why does it dry out?
Although the top of your processor and the base of your cooler look smooth, they have micro-holes invisible to the human eye. **Thermal Paste** serves to fill these holes, ensuring that heat passes from the chip to the cooler's metal. Over time, the oils in the paste evaporate, it becomes "dry" and brittle, losing its ability to conduct heat.
Don't do it Manually.
Voltris Optimizer automates this entire guide and removes Windows delay in seconds.
02.1. Silver vs White: What's the difference?
When buying, you'll find two basic types:
- White Paste (Silicone): Cheap and simple. Suitable for office PCs or very basic processors. Dries out faster.
- Gray/Silver Paste (Ceramic or Silver): Contains metallic or ceramic particles that transfer heat much better. Essential for Gaming PCs and laptops that run hot.
03.2. How to apply without making a mess
The Dot Rule:
The most common mistake is applying too much paste. Put only a pea-sized dot in the center of the processor. The pressure from the cooler will spread the paste perfectly. If it overflows to the sides, it can cause a mess and difficulty in future cleaning (although most do not conduct electricity, some silver pastes can be dangerous in excess).
04.3. When to change it?
Don't change it as a routine if the PC is running cool. Monitor temperatures with HWMonitor software. If your processor (CPU) is exceeding 90ºC while gaming or 60ºC at idle, and you've already cleaned the dust from the fans, then it's time to change the thermal paste.
Don't do it Manually.
Voltris Optimizer automates this entire guide and removes Windows delay in seconds.
Written by a verified expert
Douglas Felipe M. Gonçalves
Expert in Windows system optimization with years of experience in hardware diagnostics, kernel tuning, and advanced technical support. Founder of Voltris and developer of the Voltris Optimizer.
Meet the Voltris TeamConclusion and Next Steps
By following this guide on Thermal Paste: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide), you are equipped with the verified technical knowledge to solve this issue with confidence.
If you still have difficulties after following all steps, our expert support team is available for a personalized remote diagnosis. Every system is unique and may require a specific approach.