Fact check: What are the functions of thermal paste for PC, and are they always necessary?

1. Summary of the results

Thermal paste serves several critical functions in PC cooling:

• It fills microscopic gaps between the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) and the CPU cooler, eliminating air pockets that would otherwise reduce cooling efficiency ^{[1] [2]}
• It increases thermal conductivity up to 100 times compared to air ^{[3] [3]}
• Without thermal paste, CPU temperatures can rise dramatically from 56°C to 94°C under full load ^[3]
• It creates an air-tight seal between components, maximizing heat transfer efficiency ^[4]

Regarding necessity, the sources unanimously confirm that thermal paste is absolutely essential for proper PC operation. While a computer can boot without it ^[4], running without thermal paste can quickly lead to CPU temperatures reaching up to 100°C and potential permanent hardware damage ^{[5] [2]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points weren't addressed in the original question:

• Application Methods: Different CPU generations require different application techniques. 12th and 14th Gen Intel processors need specific application methods compared to older Intel or AMD processors ^[1]
• Types of Thermal Paste: Liquid metal thermal paste exists as a more effective alternative but should only be used by experienced users due to its conductive nature and potential risks ^[1]
• Replacement Frequency: Thermal paste typically needs replacement:
• Every 1-2 years depending on computer usage ^[6]
• Only when CPU cooler is removed or temperature issues arise ^[7]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question's phrasing about whether thermal paste is "always necessary" could mislead users into thinking it's optional. The analyses clearly show that:

• While computers can technically boot without thermal paste, this should never be attempted as it risks permanent hardware damage ^{[5] [4]}
• The cost-benefit ratio strongly favors using thermal paste, as it's relatively inexpensive compared to the potential damage its absence could cause ^[3]
• The question overlooks the fact that thermal paste doesn't directly cool the processor but rather enables efficient heat transfer ^[6]

This kind of misconception could benefit PC component manufacturers who might face fewer warranty claims if users understand the importance of proper thermal paste application and maintenance.