Have you ever wondered How Often Should I Replace My Thermal Paste? Any PC setup needs thermal paste to protect the central processing unit from overheating, which can result in several significant problems. However, you might not be completely informed regarding this material, particularly how frequently you need to replace it.
How Often Should I Replace My Thermal Paste?
Thermal paste should be replaced every two to three years, anytime the central processor unit is removed, whenever you notice the paste is dry or flaky, or whenever your central processing unit exhibits overheating symptoms.
The remainder of this article will address all of your inquiries regarding thermal paste, including its durability, functionality, and application. So, whether you’re building a PC or trying to figure out how to make your current setup better, stay reading! A thermally conductive substance called thermal paste is typically utilized as a contact between a chip and a heatsink.
Its objective is to minimize heat transfer and dissipation by removing air gaps that serve as thermal insulators. Your computer’s processor (CPU) and probably the die of your graphics card are both covered in thermal paste. Additionally, since it does not last forever, you will occasionally need to replace it.
Signs That You Should Replace The Thermal Paste
It’s challenging to pinpoint a precise time to replace the thermal paste because several factors affect how long it lasts.
However, as a general rule, it should only be necessary seldom. The average lifespan of thermal paste is roughly three years, though this can vary depending on how frequently you use your computer and how much it is used?
The thermal paste must also be replaced if your central processor unit (CPU) is being upgraded or replaced because it cannot be reused. Heat transfer effectiveness may be decreased by air bubbles left behind by old thermal paste. If you discover that your old thermal paste is flaky and dry, it’s another sign that it’s time to change it.
If this is the issue, your CPU is at risk of overheating since the paste is no longer performing at its peak level. If your CPU does appear to be heating up frequently, this is another indication that the thermal paste needs to be replaced because it is no longer functioning properly. The following factors influence the thermal paste’s durability:
- How often and to what extent does your CPU experience excessive temperatures
- Your paste’s type and brand.
- Airflow in your computer tower.
How To Apply Thermal Paste?
Clean your central processing unit before you start using your paste. You must remove the old paste if you’re replacing it.
Use a microfiber cloth and some remover to rub the old thermal paste off. Until all of the old thermal paste has been fully removed, keep applying thermal paste remover to clean regions of the cloth and continue the cleaning procedure. The surface should then be adequately prepped by applying some surface purifier solution.
Before starting to apply the new paste, make sure the CPU has completely dried out. To make sure the surface is completely dry, I prefer to take a fresh microfiber cloth at the end and wipe away any remaining surface cleaner.
Make sure neither surface is contaminated by dust or other debris, especially after applying thermal paste. Before applying the thermal paste, ensure the area is dust-free by using a little compressed air.
You’re ready to use the new thermal paste once the CPU has been thoroughly cleaned and dried. This is how:
- The middle of the lid of the central processing unit should be covered with thermal paste. A pea-sized amount of paste will do; more won’t be necessary. The heat sink that transfers heat from the processor to the CPU cooler is this lid, also known as an integrated heat spreader. Before clamping the heat sink down, spread the paste evenly using the applicator that came with your paste.
- The CPU after mounting the cooler. While being gentle enough to avoid harm, you should use enough effort to prevent the cooler from sliding.
- Connect the motherboard to the cooler. Connect diagonally.
- Verify that everything appears to be in order. Paste shouldn’t be dripping out, and everything ought to appear safe and tidy.
You’ll need to clean it up with thermal paste remover and restart the process if you start applying too much paste and some is spilling out onto the motherboard.
How Does Thermal Paste Work?
To keep the computer’s central processor unit from overheating, thermal paste works by transporting heat away from the CPU and into the heat sink. To improve heat transfer effectiveness, the paste fills in cracks in the hardware.
The term “thermal paste” can also refer to thermal grease, thermal gel, CPU paste, and heat paste.
This paste is inserted between the processor and the heat sink to safeguard the CPU. Although the heat sink and the CPU are near one another, the heat sink features grooves and gaps that let air pass between them, limiting heat transmission since air is a poor thermal conductor.
These holes are filled with thermal paste to produce a tighter seal that improves heat transfer. Three varieties of thermal paste exist:
- Metal-based. Metal particles, typically aluminum or silver, are present in pastes with a metal foundation. The best kind for bringing down temperatures is this one. It would be best to exercise caution when working with this paste type because a spill on the motherboard could cause short-circuiting and other issues. This type of thermal paste is also the priciest.
- Ceramic-based. Ceramic powder, often manufactured with aluminum oxide and zinc oxide, is included in this type of paste. This paste is affordable and won’t contaminate electrical systems if it spills. However, they are not as efficient in transferring heat as pastes based on metal.
- Carbon-based. Particles of carbon and other substances, including graphene oxide, are present in this type of paste. Similar to pastes made of ceramic, these pastes don’t carry electricity; therefore, even if they spill, they won’t harm the electrical system. In declining temperatures, carbon-based pastes only marginally underperform metal-based pastes.
Final Verdict
Did you get How Often Should I Replace My Thermal Paste? The thermal paste helps your PC stay healthy and functional. Thermal paste can help you keep an effective PC if you replace it every three years, when you remove the CPU, when it becomes dry, or when it overheats.
Thermal paste works best when combined with other cooling methods. Once a year, for safety. It’s usually unnecessary. Once every 5 years, depending on the paste brand and how often the computer is used.
If you’ve added special items like liquid metal, the rules alter. Still, you should already know about thermal pastes, default by any manufacturer never uses it because it involves too much maintenance for not many benefits.
Not due to time, though. If it requires replacing, check the CPU’s idle and load temperatures. The paste may have hardened if it rises much from what you recorded years ago. First, clear dust and other debris from fans and heat sink fins.
If it’s too hot, replace the paste. A fast CPU overheating won’t cause damage. If it overheats, it will slow down or shut off. When you ignore these warnings and let it run for days, weeks, or months, the CPU’s performance degrades until it fails.
If a CPU gets too hot, check the cooling system. Unclog. Check the fans’ rotation. Make sure airflow isn’t impeded (don’t put it against a wall where it limits fan intake/exhaust). That’s usually the cause. First, consider pasting. You may require a professional repair or replacement if that doesn’t work.
