What is the primary use of thermal grease?

The primary use of thermal grease is to manage better heat conduction between surfaces, particularly in electronic devices like CPUs and GPUs. Thermal grease, also known as thermal paste or thermal compound, fills the microscopic gaps between the surfaces of heat-generating components and their heat sinks. This improves the contact and thermal conductivity, ensuring more efficient heat transfer away from the component to prevent overheating.

Effective heat conduction is critical for maintaining optimal operating temperatures in electronics, and any air gaps or insufficient thermal contact can lead to poor cooling performance. Consequently, applying thermal grease correctly is essential for the longevity and performance of computer hardware.

While other options mention valid functions related to electronic components, such as insulation, moisture protection, and aesthetic purposes, these do not accurately capture the main role of thermal grease. The focus is unwaveringly on enhancing heat transfer rather than insulating, protecting, or beautifying.