Thermal paste is a passive conductive material, not an active component with power settings, so it cannot "turn on" or "off." If your G712LW system reports thermal issues, the problem lies in physical application, pump failure, or sensor misinterpretation rather than software toggles. This guide clarifies the nature of thermal interface materials and provides actionable steps to resolve overheating symptoms associated with CPU and GPU cooling systems.
Understanding Thermal Paste Functionality
It is crucial to first correct a common misconception: thermal paste (also known as thermal compound or TIM) is a static substance. It does not have an executable state, a driver, or a BIOS toggle. Its sole purpose is to fill microscopic air gaps between the heat spreader of your processor/GPU and the base of the cooler. Air is a poor conductor of heat; thermal paste facilitates efficient heat transfer from the silicon die to the cooling block.
When users ask why thermal paste is "not turning on," they are typically experiencing one of three scenarios:
1. The system is reporting high temperatures despite having installed new components.
2. The user expects a visual indicator or software notification that confirms the paste is "active."
3. There is confusion between thermal paste and liquid cooling pump activity.
If you are using an AIO (All-In-One) liquid cooler for your G712LW build, the pump must be running. However, the paste itself remains inert. Any perceived lack of function is due to improper installation, dried-out compound, or a hardware fault in the cooling loop, not a software setting.
Distinguishing Between Paste and Pump Failure
Before disassembling your case, verify if your cooling solution is air-based or liquid-based. If you are using an AIO, listen for the sound of the pump or check RPM readings in your BIOS/UEFI under
Hardware Monitor. If the pump speed reads 0 RPM, the issue is electrical, not related to the paste itself. If you are using air coolers, there is no moving part associated with the paste. High temperatures here indicate poor contact between the cooler and the chip.
Diagnosing Overheating Symptoms
To determine if the thermal paste is the culprit, you must monitor real-time temperatures using reliable software such as HWiNFO64, MSI Afterburner, or the built-in sensors in your motherboard utility. Normal idle temperatures for modern CPUs and GPUs range between 30°C and 50°C. Under load, staying below 85°C is generally safe, though this varies by component specifications.
If your temperatures spike immediately upon booting into the OS or hitting a game, follow these diagnostic steps:
- Check Cooler Mounting Pressure: Ensure all screws holding the cooler to the motherboard are tightened in a cross-pattern. Uneven pressure creates air pockets where paste cannot bridge the gap.
- Verify Fan Curves: Navigate to your BIOS or fan control software. Ensure that CPU_FAN and SYS_FAN headers are set to "Standard" or "Performance" modes, not "Silent" or "Off."
- Inspect for Dead Zones: Use a temperature monitoring tool to map core temperatures. If one core is significantly hotter than others, the cooler may be tilted, preventing even heat distribution.
Proper Reapplication Procedure
If diagnostics confirm that the cooling efficiency is low, the thermal paste may have dried out, been applied incorrectly, or become contaminated. Reapplying thermal paste is a standard maintenance procedure. Before proceeding, ensure you have a clean workspace and the necessary supplies: 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and lint-free microfiber cloths. For detailed cleaning instructions, refer to our guide on
Isopropyl Alcohol to Clean SSD, CPU/GPU Socket.
Follow this precise method to restore optimal thermal conductivity:
- Power Down and Disconnect: Shut down the G712LW system completely and unplug the power supply cable. Press the power button for five seconds to drain residual electricity.
- Remove the Cooler: Unscrew the mounting brackets carefully. If the cooler sticks, gently twist it side-to-side to break the seal of the old paste. Do not pull upward directly, as this may damage the CPU socket pins.
- Clean Old Compound: Apply isopropyl alcohol to a microfiber cloth and wipe both the CPU heat spreader and the cooler's cold plate until both surfaces are shiny and free of gray residue. Allow them to dry completely.
- Apply New Paste: Place a pea-sized amount (approximately 4mm diameter) in the center of the CPU. Avoid spreading it manually; the pressure of reattaching the cooler will distribute it evenly. Too much paste can act as an insulator, while too little leaves gaps.
- Reattach Cooler: Align the cooler carefully and press down firmly before tightening screws. Tighten in a diagonal/cross pattern to ensure even pressure across the surface.
After reassembly, plug in the system and monitor temperatures for the first hour of use. If temperatures remain stable, the issue was likely improper initial application or degraded old paste.
Related Hardware Considerations
Sometimes, thermal issues are misdiagnosed as paste problems when they stem from other hardware faults. For instance, if your system fails to post or shows display artifacts, it might be confused with thermal throttling. Check our article on
Troubleshooting Red VGA Light on Motherboard B450 GAMING PRO CARBON AC if you encounter POST errors alongside thermal warnings. Additionally, if you experience black screens during boot, ensure this is not a symptom of GPU failure rather than overheating, as detailed in
How to Fix Black Screen During Boot.
If your CPU and GPU temperatures are normal but performance is sluggish, you may be experiencing bottlenecking rather than thermal issues. Review
Understanding CPU and GPU Bottlenecking to determine if your hardware balance is causing performance drops unrelated to heat dissipation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can thermal paste dry out over time?
Yes, thermal paste can dry out or "pump out" after several years of heating and cooling cycles. This degradation reduces its effectiveness, leading to higher temperatures. If your system is more than three to four years old without maintenance, repasting is recommended.
Does more thermal paste equal better cooling?
No, applying excessive thermal paste can actually hinder cooling. Thick layers of paste add thermal resistance because the material conducts heat less efficiently than direct metal-to-metal contact. A thin, even layer is always superior to a thick glob.
How do I know if my AIO pump has failed?
Check your BIOS or software like HWiNFO64 for the pump RPM reading. If it reads zero or fluctuates wildly, the pump may have failed. You can also feel the tubing near the CPU block; if it is warm but the radiator fans are not spinning up proportionally, the pump may be circulating fluid poorly.
Should I use liquid metal instead of thermal paste?
Liquid metal offers superior thermal conductivity but is electrically conductive and corrosive to aluminum. It requires careful application and is generally only recommended for extreme overclocking enthusiasts who understand the risks of short-circuiting their motherboard.
What is the best way to apply thermal paste for beginners?
The "pea method" is the most foolproof for beginners. Place a single dot of paste in the center of the CPU die. When you press the cooler down, the pressure naturally spreads the paste into a thin, even layer without requiring manual spreading tools.