Part of the Best 10 Singapore Glossary › Tech & Gadgets › Thermal Paste
Thermal paste (also called thermal compound or thermal grease) is a heat-conductive material applied between a processor (CPU or GPU) and its cooler. It fills microscopic air gaps on the metal surfaces to maximise heat transfer and prevent overheating.
Why It Matters in Singapore
Singapore’s heat and humidity causes thermal paste to dry out faster than in temperate climates. Dried thermal paste leads directly to thermal throttling — where your laptop slows itself down to prevent damage. Most laptops in Singapore need repasting every 2–3 years.
Signs Your Thermal Paste Has Dried
- Laptop runs fast initially then slows down dramatically
- Temperatures above 85°C under normal load
- Fan constantly running at full speed
- Performance noticeably worse than when laptop was new
📖 Related articles: What Does Thermal Throttling Mean and How Does It Affect Your Laptop? → | Thermal Throttling Glossary →
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