Is this the correct thermal paste for this laptop?

[Jat31]

Well, where could I start? I’m going to replace the thermal paste on my HP Victus 15-fa1098la, and it’s my first time doing it. I’m asking here to see if this is the right thermal paste for my laptop. And if it’s not too much trouble, I’d appreciate any suggestions. I’m all ears.

[Venom21 · Accepted solution]

Don't worry. Arctic MX-6 is a good choice. Just make sure this Arctic MX-6 is original. What to look for:

• A clean, sharp box print with no blur, spelling errors, or off-color logos.
• A proper seal on the tube and no signs it was reopened.
• A batch/lot code or production marking that looks professionally printed, not handwritten or crooked.
• Matching design details with photos from Arctic’s official product images.
• A trustworthy seller and invoice.

Here are steps to do it properly (Taken from another user reddit guide):

Cleaning and repasting the CPU and GPU with Arctic MX-6 can effectively improving heat transfer and airflow.

I’ll explain this only in short. Before opening your laptop, do your own research on what tools and materials are required and what important precautions need to be taken. Watch disassembly YouTube for your laptop (or a similar HP model) to understand the process. Prepare all necessary items in advance, such as basic tools, Thermal paste, thermal putty (to replace worn thermal pads/putty on VRMs if needed), Cleaning supplies, etc. Again, Do your own research and proceed carefully and at your own risk.

Once opened, disconnect the battery, remove the heatsink assembly, and clean the fans and air vents from both the inside and outside. I don’t have an official video for this exact model, but the video linked below shows what needs to be done. Your heatsink design may differ, but the process is the same: detach it, open it, and clean the fans and vents as demonstrated.

https://youtu.be/uB39PPoHBpo

After cleaning, reassemble the heatsink. If the original thermal pads or putty on VRMs are worn or dry, apply new good quality thermal putty first like Thermal Grizzly TG Putty, UPSIREN UX PRO Ultra, Upsiren U6 Pro, etc in place of old thermal pads, or putty..  Use the video guide linked below, follow the thermal putty section if required, skip ptm7950 part in 2nd half as you are not using it.

https://youtu.be/0sOON88Oq_w

Now, thermal paste, Use X method to apply thermal paste properly. Check below video for that:

https://youtu.be/LHOBRvXYqEg?si=ZUdsCM2gaa_jwViA

After completing, apply heatsink carefully, connect battery cable and attach back panel of your laptop. Remember that once you applied heatsink, you can't open it again otherwise thermal paste will become ineffective so apply laste properly then attact heatsink and screw it.

[NonSequitur777]

@Jat31,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

To throw in my penny's-worth: I would strongly recommend Arctic MX-4 because it is easier to spread/apply to your processor compared with Arctic MX-6 ("new formula" or not), especially if you use the 'spread' method.

The spread (or "buttered toast") method involves manually spreading thermal paste into a thin, even layer across the entire CPU. I prefer it for guaranteed edge-to-edge coverage, removal of guesswork, and the prevention of uneven die pressure associated with a single central dot:

• Guaranteed Edge-to-Edge Coverage: When dealing with large or rectangular processors (such as the Intel LGA 1700 or AMD Threadripper), a simple center dot often fails to reach the corners. Spreading guarantees the entire Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) is covered, eliminating the risk of uncooled hot spots.
• No Guesswork: With a blob, you have to guess if the mounting pressure successfully spread the paste to the edges. Spreading removes this anxiety completely.
• Prevents Air Pockets: Applying paste in a pattern and letting the cooler mash it down can sometimes trap air bubbles. Manually smoothing out a thin layer allows you to visually identify and smooth out any air pockets beforehand.
• Essential for Direct Die: For laptops or modified desktop setups where the silicon die is exposed, a manual spread is mandatory, as a blob will not cover the die completely and can cause thermal throttling or chip damage.

Truth be told, there are several kosher ways to apply thermal paste.  Here is a helpful YouTube instructional video showing that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wESxpTTViLA.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777