Subject
Computer Science
Topic
Computer Hardware
What is the purpose of 'thermal paste' or 'thermal compound' applied between a CPU and its heat sink?
What is the purpose of 'thermal paste' or 'thermal compound' applied between a CPU and its heat sink?
a)
To act as an adhesive to hold the heat sink in place.b)
To fill in microscopic air gaps between the two surfaces to maximize heat transfer.c)
To electrically insulate the CPU from the heat sink.d)
To cool the CPU through a chemical reaction.Explanation
Even finely machined metal surfaces are not perfectly flat. These tiny imperfections create air gaps, and air is a very poor conductor of heat. Thermal paste is a thermally conductive material that fills these gaps, ensuring an efficient thermal pathway from the CPU to the heat sink.Related questions
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