Which compound is commonly used to prevent CPU overheating?

Thermal paste is a compound commonly used to prevent CPU overheating by enhancing the thermal interface between the CPU and the heatsink. It fills the microscopic gaps and imperfections on the surfaces of the CPU and heatsink, which improves the efficiency of heat transfer. Without thermal paste, air pockets can form, hindering heat dissipation and causing the CPU to operate at higher temperatures.

Thermal paste is specifically designed to conduct heat effectively, which is essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures in CPUs. While other compounds like thermal grease and liquid metal also serve similar purposes, thermal paste is widely recognized and utilized in computer systems for its balance of effectiveness and ease of application.