How often should you reapply CPU thermal compound?

[hunted22]

Hi everyone..

I'm using the stock cooler of my CPU.. I'm not much of an overclocker, but I might be soon since I'm planing to get a Noctua cooler and go nuts..
I had to replace my mobo sometime ago, and when I removed CPU cooler, I noticed that thermal compound got dry. SO I'm wondering , before I replace CPU cooler, how often should I remove cooler and exchange thermal compound for some fresh patch?

thank you all.

 

[amuffin]

You can read the thermal paste removal guide in my sig.

Anyways, paste shouldn't be reapplied unless you are changing a heatsink. Otherwise you should just leave it.

 

[evongugg]

Every 2 years.
Check the CPU temperature under load though.
Pre-heat the computer before removing the heatsink in case it's stuck to the CPU, by turning it on for a little while.

 

[beanoslim]

If it aint broke don't fix it.

Replacing stock paste with some higher grade stuff isn't a bad idea.

Generally though unless your temps suddenly start to rise and nothings been changed just leave it be.

 

[Matthew Whiteley]

I believe that you do need to change it...eventually. My sisters old PC ran XP, it wasn't used for the last few years and I took it. It would heat up to 100* C and then turn off so I removed the heatsink (that had become faulty and would require a manual push to get it working) all that was left was a dry crust. So yes, you do need to replace it eventually... after like 8-10 years lol. and yes I did replace the compound and fan with a spare stock one and ran fine.