Which thermal paste do you recommend of changing CPU in 2015 iMac?

[mbosse]

Hi

I am contemplating changing the CPU of my 2015 iMac (27") and wonder which thermal paste you would recommend using.

Is there one paste one could use for CPU as well as GPU and VRAM chips (those have to be repositioned as well)?

Thanks,
Magnus

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Why are you having problems, or just fell like doing this?

For mine always have used Arctic Silver when changing CPUs. The No. 1 rule is don't apply too miuch and use an alcohol wipe to clean off old paste.

 

[mbosse]

Why are you having problems, or just fell like doing this?

For mine always have used Arctic Silver when changing CPUs. The No. 1 rule is don't apply too miuch and use an alcohol wipe to clean off old paste.

I have never done this before, and the ifixit instructions tell that one should use a specifically stiff paste on the VRAM elements (e.g Arctic Silver 5).

Since I plant to do the CPU change only once I would prefer - if possible - to use only one single type of paste.

Thanks,
Magnus

 

[Fried Chicken]

Any CPU paste would do (don't use liquid metal though). Macs are just PCs.

 

[mbosse]

Any CPU paste would do (don't use liquid metal though). Macs are just PCs.

If you follow iFixit's guide (https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+CPU+Replacement/30515 step #62), they'll recommend the following for the VRAM chips:

For the VRAM chips surrounding the GPU, install thermal pads or a thick thermal paste such as K5-PRO, rather than regular thermal paste.

I also understand that an iMac should be treated just like a PC, but since I have never ever changed a CPU I am a bit irritated by iFixit's recommendation.

Best,
Magnus

 

[Fried Chicken]

If you follow iFixit's guide (https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+27-Inch+Retina+5K+Display+CPU+Replacement/30515 step #62), they'll recommend the following for the VRAM chips:


View attachment 810067

I also understand that an iMac should be treated just like a PC, but since I have never ever changed a CPU I am a bit irritated by iFixit's recommendation.

Best,
Magnus

Then follow their recommendation

 

[arkieboy72472]

I am sure they say what they say for a reason. Having worked with them before, I trust whatever they say.