How often do I need to apply Thermal paste?

[LukaBoki]

I bought the 212 EVO couple of days ago.I am waiting for my CPU to arrive and i know I have to apply the Thermal Paste in order to cool the CPU better.
So I just wanna know is how often do I need to apply Thermal Paste?
Or do I just apply it once and I'm all done?
Thanks in advance 😀

 

[wachuko]

Only once, correct... Unless you take it apart again. In which case, you will need to replace the paste. The paste is there to make it more efficient to transfer the heat off the CPU to the Cooler.

 

[blatantlyobvious]

A nifty guide to thermal paste removal and replacement

This guide suggests replacing thermal paste every 6-12 months. Results may vary, but if you were to keep an eye on CPU temperatures by, say, making a note every couple of weeks or once a month, you'd get an idea of how your thermal paste is degrading as time passes.

 

[LukaBoki]

A nifty guide to thermal paste removal and replacement

This guide suggests replacing thermal paste every 6-12 months. Results may vary, but if you were to keep an eye on CPU temperatures by, say, making a note every couple of weeks or once a month, you'd get an idea of how your thermal paste is degrading as time passes.

How do I check the CPU temperature?
I'm sorry,but I'm a complete noob when it comes to PCs

 

[wachuko]

A lot of the motherboards now have a nice BIOS interface where you can check all the parameters of the systems. CPU temperature being one of them. CPU Fan speed, etc.

Just go to your BIOS screen and look.

 

[wachuko]

And do not worry about asking questions... that is what this forum is for. I do suggest to also using the search function. There are vast amounts of information to read in this site.

 

[LukaBoki]

And do not worry about asking questions... that is what this forum is for. I do suggest to also using the search function. There are vast amounts of information to read in this site.

Thanks...
Basically,I reapply it every time I remove the heat sink or every 6-12 months?

 

[wachuko]

And do not worry about asking questions... that is what this forum is for. I do suggest to also using the search function. There are vast amounts of information to read in this site.

Thanks...
Basically,I reapply it every time I remove the heat sink or every 6-12 months?

I will modify it a bit...

Reapply it every time you remove the heat sink. I would not replace it every 6-12 months... I see that as an overkill... but that is just me. Monitor the temperatures. Make sure the internals remain clean. There is more heat build up due to dust/dirt that accumulates in the system than due to the degradation of the paste between heatsink and CPU.

If you want to replace the paste that often, go at it, have fun.

Others with more knowledge will chime in...

 

[LukaBoki]

And do not worry about asking questions... that is what this forum is for. I do suggest to also using the search function. There are vast amounts of information to read in this site.

Thanks...
Basically,I reapply it every time I remove the heat sink or every 6-12 months?

I will modify it a bit...

Reapply it every time you remove the heat sink. I would not replace it every 6-12 months... I see that as an overkill... but that I just me. Monitor the temperatures. Make sure the internals remain clean. There is more heat build up due to dust/dirt that accumulates in the system than due to the degradation of the paste between heatsink and CPU.

If you want to replace the paste that often, go at it, have fun.

Others with more knowledge will chime in...

And how often do I need to clean my components?
I'm sorry if I'm bothering you

 

[wachuko]

And how often do I need to clean my components?
I'm sorry if I'm bothering you

This really depends on the environment your computer is in. Does it sits on the floor? On a desk? Dusty area? Do you have pets around? Carpet? Tile floor?

I use a small vacuum cleaner, dust gun (Dust-Off Compressed Gas Duster). Disconnect power, open case, and use the dust off to clean the motherboard and CPU cooler fins while holding the vacuum to catch all the crap that comes out. That was enough to keep the old computer clean and working fine.

I just finished a new build, plan to do the same. But I might get one of those electric dust blowers/vac units to save on the air cans...

Always be careful with static build up as you start to do this... varies on the time of year, clothes you wear, etc. Just make sure you ground/discharge of static build up, etc. before you work with the computer internals...

I hope that helps.

 

[LukaBoki]

And how often do I need to clean my components?
I'm sorry if I'm bothering you

This really depends on the environment your computer is in. Does it sits on the floor? On a desk? Dusty area? Do you have pets around? Carpet? Tile floor?

I use a small vacuum cleaner, dust gun (Dust-Off Compressed Gas Duster). Disconnect power, open case, and use the dust off to clean the motherboard and CPU cooler fins while holding the vacuum to catch all the crap that comes out. That was enough to keep the old computer clean and working fine.

I just finished a new build, plan to do the same. But I might get one of those electric dust blowers/vac units to save on the air cans...

Always be careful with static build up as you start to do this... varies on the time of year, clothes you wear, etc. Just make sure you ground/discharge of static build up, etc. before you work with the computer internals...

I hope that helps.

My PC is about 10 centimeters of the ground and it sits in a corner.It's not a problem to clean your PC,since I've done many times.
I've also asked SR-71 Blackbird about applying thermal paste,he reapplies his every six months.
One more questions. When cleaning the heat sink fan and the gpu fan,do i have to clean the back side of the fan as well,or just vacuum the dust that has piled up over the months?

 

[blatantlyobvious]

I'd be weary about using a vacuum in the off chance that you accidentally vacuum a component or hit the hose against a component. I take my heat sink/fan out and use a toothpick to get the dust.

I'm not sure what to suggest for the GPU fan, however.

 

[wachuko]

I'd be weary about using a vacuum in the off chance that you accidentally vacuum a component or hit the hose against a component. I take my heat sink/fan out and use a toothpick to get the dust.

I'm not sure what to suggest for the GPU fan, however.

Just to be clear... I do not use the vacuum to clean the internals... I use compressed air to do that and hold the vacuum at a safe distance to catch all the dust/dirt that the compressed air shakes loose...

 

[blatantlyobvious]

That's a clever idea and will prevent me from having to take my case outside to dust it out in the future 😉

 

[11Greg1173311]

Nice to see people not insulting others on a foram. Make sure you only use a pea size amount of paste. Too much is not good.

And do not worry about asking questions... that is what this forum is for. I do suggest to also using the search function. There are vast amounts of information to read in this site.

Thanks...
Basically,I reapply it every time I remove the heat sink or every 6-12 months?