What is thermal paste used for?

Thermal paste is specifically designed to improve heat transfer between the CPU (or GPU) and its heat sink by filling in the microscopic air gaps and imperfections that exist on the surfaces of these components. These air gaps can act as insulators and hinder efficient heat transfer, which could lead to overheating and potential damage to the processor. By applying thermal paste, you enhance the contact surface area and ensure better conduction of heat away from the CPU, allowing it to operate more effectively and stay within a safe temperature range.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose of thermal paste. For instance, thermal paste does not mitigate noise; it primarily addresses thermal conductivity. Similarly, while thermal paste may have some electrical insulation properties, its main function is not to increase electrical conductivity. Moreover, lubricating moving parts is unrelated to thermal paste, which is not intended for any mechanical application but rather for thermal management in electronic components.