Question How often should TIM be replaced?

[80251]

I recently removed my NH-D15s and noticed the phantek's TIM was almost completely gone. It doesn't evaporate does it?

Anyway, as the subject says, how often should TIM be replaced? If you replace the TIM w/the same type do you have to thoroughly clean up the old TIM or can you just apply more over the previous application?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Once properly applied there's no reason to ever change it. It's only there to fill the microscopic scratches and surface imperfections.

 

[Lafong]

Mine is 3 months short of 9 years old.

No change in temps noted.

"almost completely gone".............can you post a screen shot of that? Not sure what you were expecting that imprint to look like.

Yes, you should clean up the existing TIM before any reapplication. Alcohol and Q tips works fine. Or any lint free cloth. I wouldn't obsess over the cleaning technique, but some do as if brain surgery level sanitation was required.