How to Apply Thermal Paste to a PS4

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: February 19, 2025 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 of 8:

What is thermal paste?

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This paste goes between your console’s CPU and cooling system, it transfers heat from the CPU to the heatsink and keeps your PS4 at a normal temperature.^{[1]
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Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview} Your console is manufactured with thermal paste, but this can deteriorate, leading to overheating issues.^{[2]
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Question 2 of 8:

What thermal paste should I use for my PS4?

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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.

Question 3 of 8:

Where can I get thermal paste for my PS4?

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

Question 4 of 8:

How much does thermal paste cost?

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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 of 8:

Where do I apply the thermal paste?

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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.^{[3]
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- The processor is a small, square section along the center of the motherboard.

Question 6 of 8:

Do I need to remove the old thermal paste first?

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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.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview}^{[5]
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- Clean the entire surface of the CPU and GPU, make sure to remove any dirt or dust particles.

Question 7 of 8:

How much thermal paste should I use?

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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]
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Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview}^{[7]
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Question 8 of 8:

Should I spread thermal paste?

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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.^{[8]
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