When assembling a desktop PC, applying thermal paste to the CPU is a crucial step that often causes confusion. Thermal paste, also known as thermal grease, thermal interface material, or thermal gel, ensures efficient heat transfer from the processor to the cooler. The correct application of the paste is crucial, as either too much or too little can affect cooling performance. Noctua The thermal compound is applied to the top of the CPU, not to the bottom or into the CPU socket of the motherboard. The top of the CPU is the smooth metal plate on which the manufacturer and model information is p…