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[SOLVED] Do I need to reapply thermal paste to a CPU I removed yesterday??

massgdaboss

Reputable
Apr 10, 2018
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4,510
Building a pc which didn't post, so I removed the cpu and straightened the pins. It's now been a day since I separated the cpu and cooler, do I still need to clean them and reapply thermal paste or will the current coating work?? Same cooler and cpu just to clarify
 
Solution
I would recommend replacing the paste.
If you just want to check functionality it should be okay for right now, if you dont have extra paste on hand.

The issue isnt so much the paste drying out or anything, but rather trapping air when the paste remakes contact.
I would recommend replacing the paste.
If you just want to check functionality it should be okay for right now, if you dont have extra paste on hand.

The issue isnt so much the paste drying out or anything, but rather trapping air when the paste remakes contact.
 
Solution