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What is a typical result of not using thermal paste when installing a CPU?

  1. Improved power efficiency

  2. Overheating issues

  3. Reduced memory performance

  4. Increased boot times

The correct answer is: Overheating issues

Not using thermal paste when installing a CPU typically leads to overheating issues. Thermal paste is a critical component that facilitates efficient heat transfer between the CPU and the heatsink. It fills in microscopic gaps and imperfections on the surfaces of the CPU and heatsink, allowing for improved contact and heat dissipation. Without this paste, air can become trapped in these gaps, significantly reducing the effectiveness of heat transfer. As a result, the CPU might not be able to manage its operating temperature effectively. When the CPU runs hotter than its designed threshold, it can lead to temperatures that may cause thermal throttling, where the CPU reduces its clock speed to cool down, or in severe cases, it can lead to permanent damage to the CPU. This overheating issue can also result in system instability and crashes, impacting overall performance.