Thermal paste, also known as thermal compound or thermal grease, is a critical component in the realm of computer hardware. It is a thermally conductive substance applied between the central processing unit (CPU) or graphics processing unit (GPU) and the heat sink. Its primary function is to fill in the microscopic gaps and imperfections on the surfaces of these components, ensuring efficient heat transfer. Without thermal paste, air pockets could form, leading to inefficient heat dissipation and potentially causing overheating issues that could damage the hardware.