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.

 

[CountMike]

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?

"TIM was almost completely gone" if it covers whole surface, that's how it should be. TIM is not some "miracle cooling device" but an intermediate between CPU and cooler that is less heat resistive than ordinary grease and is supposed to just fill up microscopic scratches on surfaces.
Modern TIM of good make should last several years to indefinite. Once you remove cooler it's mandatory to clean surfaces and apply new paste even if it wast here for one day.

 

[RAIDGoblin]

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

no it doesn't evaporate, but it should spread out to form a very thin layer, half of that thin layer will stay stuck to the cooler when you remove, so there won't be much to see, it's fine so long as there's no totally empty areas, if there is it would mean you didn't apply quite enough last time

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?

people use to say you should replace it every two/three years under heavy use, but compounds are much better now so there is no longer any real need

no, you have to clean the top of the cpu and the cooler, because it sets over time, the residue of the old won't get squashed when you put the cooler back on top, so you'll end up with too thicker layer to be effective. Just wipe it off both surfaces with an alcohol wipe or a cloth and contact cleaner etc...