How to Apply Thermal Paste to a PS4

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

If your PS4 console is overheating, it might need some new thermal paste. The application process may seem a little complex, but don’t worry! We’ve answered all your frequently asked questions so you can tackle this repair at home.

Question 1

Question 1 of 8:
What is thermal paste?

1
Thermal paste keeps your PS4 from overheating. This paste goes between your console’s CPU and cooling system, and keeps your PS4 at a normal temperature.^{[1]
X
Research source} Your console is manufactured with thermal paste, but this can deteriorate, leading to overheating issues.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Question 2

Question 2 of 8:
What thermal paste should I use for my PS4?

1
Arctic, Noctua, and Thermal Grizzly are popular brands. PS4 enthusiasts recommend products like the Arctic MX 4, Noctua NT-H1, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut, and Arctic Silver 5 AS5. These pastes are all easy to apply, and work well with the PS4.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Question 3

Question 3 of 8:
Where can I get thermal paste for my PS4?

1
Buy thermal paste online or at electronics stores. Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay carry thermal paste, as do big-name electronics stores, like Best Buy.

Advertisement

Question 4

Question 4 of 8:
How much does thermal paste cost?

1
Thermal paste is typically $15 or less. Some companies sell their paste as low as $5. Certain thermal pastes come with a flat applicator, which makes it easier to apply the paste.

Question 5

Question 5 of 8:
Where do I apply the thermal paste?

1
The thermal paste goes on your PS4’s processor. After disassembling your PS4, set aside the motherboard—this looks like a flat, green and orange section. Unscrew and remove the curved, metal brace from the motherboard to find the processor.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- The processor is a small, square section along the center of the motherboard.
Advertisement

Question 6

Question 6 of 8:
Do I need to remove the old thermal paste first?

1
Yes, you do. Try to peel away any of the old, dried thermal paste with a clean cotton swab. Then, dip the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and clean off the surface.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Question 7

Question 7 of 8:
How much thermal paste should I use?

1
Use a pea-sized amount. With thermal paste, a little goes a long way. Squeeze a dot of paste along the center of the processor to get the repair started.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Question 8

Question 8 of 8:
Should I spread thermal paste?

1
Yes, you should. Use a flat object, like a business card. Press and drag the item on top of the thermal paste, smearing it into a flat layer along the surface of the processor. If you don’t have a flat object nearby, smear the paste with a gloved finger.^{[7]
X
Research source}