What does the term 'thermal paste' refer to?

Thermal paste, often referred to as thermal compound or thermal grease, is specifically designed to improve the heat transfer efficiency between the surfaces of a CPU and its heatsink. When a CPU operates, it generates heat that needs to be dissipated effectively to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance. The surfaces of both the CPU and heatsink are not perfectly smooth at a microscopic level, which can create small air gaps when they are in contact. These air gaps can lead to inefficient heat transfer.

By applying thermal paste, you fill in these microscopic imperfections, allowing for better contact and thus enhancing the thermal conductivity between the two surfaces. This improved thermal interface helps in maintaining lower temperatures for the CPU during operation, increasing its longevity and performance stability.

The other options provided do not accurately describe the primary function of thermal paste. A glue for assembling parts would not aid in heat transfer, software for monitoring temperatures plays a different role, and cleaning products are unrelated to heat conduction.