How to Apply Thermal Paste to a PS4

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If your PS4 console is overheating, it might need some new thermal paste. The application process may seem a little complex, but don’t worry! We’ve answered all your frequently asked questions so you can tackle this repair at home.

Question 1 of 8:

What is thermal paste?

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    This paste goes between your console’s CPU and cooling system, it transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink and keeps your PS4 at a normal temperature. [1] Your console is manufactured with thermal paste, but this can deteriorate, leading to overheating issues. [2]
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Question 2 of 8:

What thermal paste should I use for my PS4?

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    PS4 enthusiasts recommend products like the Arctic MX 4, Noctua NT-H1, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut, and Arctic Silver 5 AS5. These pastes are all easy to apply, and work well with the PS4.
Question 3 of 8:

Where can I get thermal paste for my PS4?

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    Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay carry thermal paste, as do big-name electronics stores, like Best Buy.
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Question 4 of 8:

How much does thermal paste cost?

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    Some companies sell their paste as low as $5. Certain thermal pastes come with a flat applicator, which makes it easier to apply the paste.
Question 5 of 8:

Where do I apply the thermal paste?

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    After disassembling your PS4, set aside the motherboard—this looks like a flat, green and orange section. Unscrew and remove the curved, metal brace from the motherboard to find the processor. [3]
    • The processor is a small, square section along the center of the motherboard.
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Question 6 of 8:

Do I need to remove the old thermal paste first?

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    Try to peel away any of the old, dried thermal paste with a clean cotton swab. Then, dip the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and clean off the surface. [4]
    • Clean the entire surface of the CPU and GPU, make sure to remove any dirt or dust particles.
Question 7 of 8:

How much thermal paste should I use?

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    With thermal paste, a little goes a long way. Squeeze a dot of paste along the center of the processor to get the repair started. [5]
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Question 8 of 8:

Should I spread thermal paste?

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    Use a flat object, like a business card. Press and drag the item on top of the thermal paste, smearing it into a flat layer along the surface of the processor. If you don’t have a flat object nearby, smear the paste with a gloved finger. [6]

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      Tips

      • Before you replace your thermal paste, wipe away the dust from your console and see if that makes a difference. [7]
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.ryli.net/ps4-thermal-replacement/
      2. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/PlayStation+4+Slim+Thermal+Paste+Replacement/135635
      3. ↑ https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/PlayStation+4+Slim+Thermal+Paste+Replacement/135635
      4. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EW0oVGwp0Os&t=1m45s
      5. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EW0oVGwp0Os&t=7m36s
      6. ↑ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EW0oVGwp0Os&t=7m51s
      7. ↑ http://www.ryli.net/ps4-thermal-replacement/

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