Most thermal paste isn’t electrically conductive, so you’re probably fine.
Dev said:
Most thermal paste isn’t electrically conductive, so you’re probably fine.
Some brands like Arctic Silver 5 are slightly capacitive even if they’re not conductive. It’s worth being careful.
@Pippin
You’re absolutely right, my bad. I should’ve said ‘usually non-conductive.’ Thanks for pointing that out.
@Pippin
Capacitive means it might cause shorts if parts are close enough. Conductive pastes, like liquid metal, are way riskier.
Here’s what Arctic says: ‘Arctic Silver 5 is not electrically conductive but slightly capacitive. Avoid using it near electrical traces and leads.’
@Pippin
You can clean it off with some isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel. Works like a charm.
@Pippin
I worked in PC repair for over a decade. We tested Arctic Silver 5 on old motherboards to try to cause shorts—it never did. The boards survived just fine.
If the paste is non-conductive, you’re good. Linus did a whole video smearing thermal paste everywhere, and nothing broke.
Non-conductive paste is safe. You can clean it with isopropyl and a Q-tip if it bothers you, but it’s not necessary.
If the packaging says it’s non-conductive thermal paste, there’s no issue.
You should be fine. Nothing to worry about.
It’s usually not an issue, but why not clean it off?
Taylor said:
It’s usually not an issue, but why not clean it off?
I don’t know how. It’s my first time using thermal paste, and I’m scared of messing it up.
Taylor said:
It’s usually not an issue, but why not clean it off?
I don’t know how. It’s my first time using thermal paste, and I’m scared of messing it up.
Try using a very soft toothbrush to gently brush it off. Be careful around parts like capacitors.
Oh no, throw everything out and start over… just kidding!