Do i need to re-apply thermal compound after just installing the CPU cooler?

halpertme

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Jul 4, 2015
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Hi guys, I just recently installed an corsair H75 and did the dumbest thing. I took out the "spring lock" on the cpu (retention plate, is it called?). Anyways, I used the preapplied paste and just put it on. Tested the computer and then let it run while i watched tv for about 2 hours. When i came back I realized this plate should be on the motherboard and I immediately took apart my PC to put it on. When i was taking off the cpu cooler, the CPU stuck to the cpu cooler and i had to very carefully and slowly wiggle it off. Do I need to reapply the thermal paste after doing so? After a few seconds of inspection, it was a little dry around the edges but since I could wiggle it off wouldn't that mean its not exactly dry...? Anyways, should I reapply a thermal compound and if so, which type would you suggest and how much should i put on?

As I am typing this, I have already put on the retention plate and tested my temps. (Reached 64 deg C after about 20-30 min of Battlefield 4, 35-40deg C at idle). Should I be worried? Looking at previous questions, most people are saying yes (everytime you reseat heatsink) but some people are saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

Thanks!
 
Solution
Anytime you remove the heat sink from the processor, you need to clean both and re-apply new thermal paste. If you do not, you may introduce air pockets in the thermal paste which do not conduct heat from the processor; causing your processor to over heat, throttle, and/or shut down.

-Wolf sends
Anytime you remove the heat sink from the processor, you need to clean both and re-apply new thermal paste. If you do not, you may introduce air pockets in the thermal paste which do not conduct heat from the processor; causing your processor to over heat, throttle, and/or shut down.

-Wolf sends
 
Solution