Question I applied thermal paste around 10min before seating cooler, was that too long, should I reapply?

[alphacoyle]

This was my first time applying an aftermarket cooler (Noctua NH-U9S) and I spent about 10 minutes after applying the paste figuring out how I wanted to reattach the fan before seating cooler. I used the NT-H1 thermal paste that came with it. I can see a little bit over the edge in one spot but nowhere else--I used 5 dots and tried not to use too much. It's been years since I applied thermal paste and was distracted by the cooler, forgot that the paste dries quickly. Did I wait too long & should I reapply or is it ok?

 

[TerryLaze]

Depends on the paste but 10 mins should be no problem.

 

[Gururu]

If they were dots and you were able to compress the cooler onto the cpu easily I wouldn’t worry. If it hardened and you somehow ended up with spaces between the dots I suspect your thermals will let you know.

 

[alceryes]

Was it good/decent quality paste? If yes, 10 mins is nothing. As long as you got a good spread it's fine.

 

[USAFRet]

This was my first time applying an aftermarket cooler (Noctua NH-U9S) and I spent about 10 minutes after applying the paste figuring out how I wanted to reattach the fan before seating cooler. I used the NT-H1 thermal paste that came with it. I can see a little bit over the edge in one spot but nowhere else--I used 5 dots and tried not to use too much. It's been years since I applied thermal paste and was distracted by the cooler, forgot that the paste dries quickly. Did I wait too long & should I reapply or is it ok?

Its fine.

Consider how long the preapplied paste site on a 3rd party cooler before installation.

Week/months.