Safety correction: Household products such as toothpaste, butter, cosmetics, food, wax or paper are not approved substitutes for a processor thermal interface. They can dry, melt, separate, contaminate the assembly or migrate onto electronics. Do not use them in a working computer.
What to use instead
Use a thermal grease, thermal pad or phase-change material that is specified for the interface and operating conditions. The correct material depends on the contact geometry, required bond line, mounting pressure, temperature range and electrical constraints.
If you forgot thermal material
- Stop the installation and keep the cooler off the processor.
- Check whether the cooler has factory-applied material. If it does, do not add more.
- Obtain the correct material before powering the system under load.
- After applying it, install the cooler according to the processor and cooler instructions.
Safe replacement checklist
- Remove all old material before applying fresh material; never layer new material over used material.
- Use a lint-free wipe and an appropriate cleaning method, and let the contact surfaces dry.
- Do not touch processor contacts or spread material onto surrounding components.
- Replace the interface whenever the cooler is removed if the manufacturer’s instructions require it.
For a small PC-service pack, review Maxtor CTG8 20-pack. For a model-specific review, send the application and quantity to Technical Help.
Source: Intel’s TIM application guidance. This correction intentionally does not endorse any household substitute.