heat-sink paste
nounUK /ˈhiːt sɪŋk peɪst/
US /ˈhiːt sɪŋk peɪst/
A gray goo you put between a computer chip and its metal cooler so heat can move out easily.
He spread a thin layer of heat-sink paste on the processor before attaching the fan.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A paste used to improve heat flow between two surfaces in electronics.
The technician replaced the dried heat-sink paste to fix the overheating laptop.
3. A thermal interface material applied in a thin layer to fill tiny air gaps.
Without heat-sink paste, air pockets would block heat from leaving the chip.
4. A compound used when mounting a heatsink onto a hot component.
Apply heat-sink paste sparingly; too much can make a mess.