Thermal pastes are available in numerous brands and forms. But for devices like PS3, Silicone-based thermal pastes are ideal. Many reputed brands specialize in silicone-based thermal pastes for PS3.
But to choose wisely, having enough information on the types of thermal pastes is necessary. It is also crucial to know whether there are any low-cost DIY substitutes that you can use instead of store-bought PS3 thermal paste.
Is it Necessary to Use Thermal Paste on PS3?
You need a thermal paste for your PS3 to help it run smoothly. Thermal paste is a crucial component that you apply between a device’s processor and heat sink. This compound helps significantly with removing the excess heat away from the processor.
The processor and heat sink have microscopic pores on their surfaces. Usually, air traps between these pores and prevents the proper heat removal process. When the excess heat is not removed correctly, it can result in the overheating of the device.
When you apply thermal paste, it fills these microscopic gaps and prevents air from entering them. So, the processor of the PS3 will be able to correctly remove the excess heat from inside. This helps with the smooth operation of the device.
In short, thermal paste is necessary for PS3 to prevent the system from overheatingand eventually collapsing.
Types of Thermal Pastes
In general, there are about six different kinds of thermal pastes. They are:
- Silicone-based
- Metal-based
- Liquid metal-based
- Carbon-based
- Diamond carbon-based
- Ceramic-based
Each of them differs in composition, performance, etc.
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What Kind of Thermal Paste Does the PS3 Use?
The kind of thermal paste the PS3 uses mainly is the Silicone-based one. Many PS3 users also use carbon-based thermal pastes.
Silicone-Based Thermal Paste
The primary content of these pastes is Silicone. The Silicone comes pre-applied onto thermal pads in most products under this category. This increases the convenience of using them in the PS3.
Silicone-based thermal pastes are considered allrounders in the section. They have the best features in multiple categories. Thermal conductivity is maximum with Silicone-based thermal pastes.
They do not conduct electricity and, thus, are safe to use in any system. The pre-applied heat pads make it extremely easy for the users to apply the paste wherever required.
Silicone-based thermal paste has an impressive density that avoids any leaking. So, the application is extremely easy and mess-free. They are compatible with operating in many temperatures. So, they are great to use on numerous systems, including PS3.
The only downside to a Silicone-based thermal paste is that it is relatively expensive than its counterparts.
Carbon-Based Thermal Paste
Carbon-based thermal pastes are one of the most commonly used types of products globally. It is highly convenient to use and, thus, is considered one of the most beginner-friendly thermal pastes.
Carbon-based thermal pastes come with small carbon fibers. It is similar to ceramic-based thermal pastes in performance.
They do not conduct electricity. So, it is highly safe to use in various systems. They also have a high density, which makes the application much smoother. These pastes are pretty long-lasting.
But, the only criticism of the carbon-based thermal paste is its heat transfer inefficiency. It is not very effective in decreasing a system’s temperature significantly.
It is considered suitable for PS3. But experts suggest to avoid using them on high-heating systems. Because they are not able to quickly reduce the heat inside a rapidly heating system. This can lead to overheating and resultant accidents.
How to Choose the Right Thermal Paste for Your PS3?
You can choose the suitable thermal paste for your PS3 by looking for the following features.
- Thermal conductivity
- Viscosity and Density
- Electrical conductivity
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal conductivity refers to the paste’s ability to transfer heat across the system. Each thermal paste comes with a thermal conductivity rating. This rating helps the user understand the capacity of the product.
Getting a thermal paste with a high thermal conductivity rating is always advisable. This shows that the paste can transfer high heat from the system.
Viscosity and Density
Viscosity and density are two factors that decide the consistency of the paste. The texture or thickness of the paste is crucial for its application.
Pastes with higher viscosity and density will be more like a paste and less like a liquid. This texture is ideal for applying the paste onto the system surface quickly.
Thermal pastes with low viscosity and density will be liquid and may leak inside the system on application.
Electrical Conductivity
It is advisable to buy a thermal paste that does not conduct electricity. Because a thermal paste is applied inside a system where there can be many electrical components. If the paste conducts electricity, it will do so whenever it touches an electric component. This can lead to short circuits and similar accidents.
What is a Good Substitute for Thermal Paste on PS3?
Many alternatives are available with the claim of good substitutes for thermal paste on PS3. Most of them are DIY creams that are readily available in convenience stores. But, experts advise not to use them on good devices. Because none of them functions as effectively as a thermal paste.
Some of the most commonly used substitutes for thermal paste on PS3 are as follows.
- Beeswax
- Toothpaste
- Rash cream
- Cocoa cream
- Aluminum powder
- Moisturizing cream
- Dental adhesives, etc.
Except for trial purposes, it is advisable not to use them on your PS3. Most of these products’ electrical conductivity and heat conductivity values are unknown. It may or may not be dangerous to use them without expert supervision.
Best Thermal Paste for PS3
When applying thermal paste to a PS3, or any console or computer, the goal is to improve the thermal conductivity between the CPU/GPU and the heat sink to aid in cooling. There are several high-quality thermal pastes available that are suitable for use in a PS3. Below are a few recommendations:
1. Arctic Silver 5:
- This is a popular and well-reviewed thermal compound that’s widely used for a variety of applications. It’s known for its durability and effectiveness.
- However, it does have a curing time, which means it will reach its optimal performance after being heated and cooled several times.
2. Noctua NT-H1:
- This is another well-reviewed and reliable thermal paste. It’s easy to apply and doesn’t have a curing time.
- It’s known for its long-lasting performance and is often recommended for high-heat devices like gaming consoles and PCs.
3. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut:
- It is considered one of the best high-end thermal pastes available and is known for its exceptional thermal conductivity.
- It’s a bit pricier but is a go-to option for many due to its performance and reliability.
4. Arctic MX-4:
- This is another option from Arctic, and it’s known for its high performance and long-term durability.
- It does not contain any metallic particles, so electrical conductivity is not an issue.
Application Process:
Regardless of the thermal paste you choose, make sure to clean off the old thermal paste thoroughly from both the heatsink and the CPU/GPU surfaces using isopropyl alcohol before applying the new paste. Apply a small amount; a grain-of-rice-sized amount is usually enough. Once applied, the pressure from reattaching the heat sink will spread the paste over the surfaces.
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Conclusion
Silicone-based thermal pastes are the bestsellers in the PS3 Thermal Paste category. Their capacity to spread evenly on the system surface makes them stand out from the rest of the products. Their effective electric insulation and high compatibility with multiple devices further increase their popularity. Even if you are not purchasing a Silicone-based thermal paste to use on your PS3, make sure that you consider the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and density of the product.