Cleaning CPU / Heatsink Question

After the heatsink removal and begun cleaning the top surface of the CPU by rubbing a lint free cloth with some alcohol to remove dust and old thermal compound, do I absolutely have to apply the new thermal compound before re-installing the heatsink?

I'm guessing that if there's no thermal compound, it would damage the CPU, right?

I don't have any new thermal compound at the moment, heh. The reason why I wanted to ask is because after been running my PC for more than 4 years, and guess what I found when I opened the case? Yeah, that's a lot of dust right there!

Eh, the only thing I have at the moment is a can of compressed air. I guess I'll use it to remove dust from the other areas in the case. Better than nothing, right?

If it's true that I have to re-apply thermal compound, I'll buy one when I go to a store in the future.

Thanks in advance!

 

Thermal compound helps transfer heat form your CPU to the heat-sink. To re apply paste just put a tiny dab in the center of the cpu then put your heatsink back on.

yes no thermal paste will overheat the cpu and can damage it.

You may find this thread useful http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=201389

For buying paste you can buy any past really or if you want you can buy higher end paste like Artic Silver 5 Or MX2.

Also make sure to clean off all the old paste off the cpu and heatsink. I like to do this with rubbing alcohol and paper towels. You can use other stuff like a coffee filter etc.

 

The Thermal Interface Material (TIM) is critical for 2 main reasons. To increase the heat transfer capacity between the CPU and the base of the HS and the other reason is to remove any "air pockets" (voids, vacuoles, etc.). If you run the PC without the TIM you have a significant chance of permanently damaging and or killing the CPU.