GPUs are quite prone to overheating especially during gaming, but applying the right amount of thermal paste on the GPU can solve this issue. This is important because too much paste can actually kill the GPU.
There are many different methods for applying thermal paste on CPUs and GPUs. The goal is to get a paper-thin layer of coating over the chip. If the thermal paste is too thick, it increases the physical distance between the processor and the heatsink and results in poor performance. Similarly, too little paste means that the air gaps between the chip and the heatsink will remain unfilled, leading to worse performance.
The best way to apply the thermal paste is to put a large blob of it on the CPU and let the heatsink spread it evenly across the die under pressure. It is a bit messy, but it provides excellent results and works better than any other method. In addition to this, make sure that the thermal paste is at room temperature – it should not be too cold or too hot. Also, a bit of hair dryer action before and after application might help keep the viscous paste easily workable.
Before applying the new thermal paste, it is a good idea to clean the GPU and heatsink of any leftover residue. It is best to use isopropyl alcohol for this. A microfiber cloth or any lint-free cloth can be used as long as it is soaked in isopropyl alcohol, and cotton swabs are also acceptable. This step is important because too much dust can prevent the paste from forming an even layer and can negatively impact the thermal performance. GPU thermal paste