Question Reusing thermal paste that's not completely dried ?

[telgou]

Hello, i received a faulty motherboard so i had to disassemble the system. Now i received a new one, and i am wondering if i can use the same pre-applied thermal paste when putting the cooler back on ?

Thermal paste looks like this:
imgur.com/a/J6d3pWc
Is this considered a dried up thermal paste that should be replaced ? :

 

[Paperdoc]

It would be VERY hard to distribute the used paste properly in a re-install scenario so that it forms a thorough but thin film between CPU top and cooler. You would do better to clean off the old paste and re-apply fresh according to instructioons for that paste, Remember to look up ecactly HOW to apply according to the particular CPU chip you have.

 

[CountMike]

Hello, i received a faulty motherboard so i had to disassemble the system. Now i received a new one, and i am wondering if i can use the same pre applied thermal paste when putting the cooler back on.

Thermal paste looks like this:
imgur.com/a/J6d3pWc
Is this considered a dried up thermal paste that should be replaced ? :

Don't, just don't. not only old paste is difficult to spread properly (they set after some time) but any dust it would almost instantly stick to it also has particles larger than that the paste is made with. Paste is not only some grease but is made of super fine particles of metal or ceramic over 90% just held in suspension in silicone based compound.

 

[telgou]

Remember to look up ecactly HOW to apply according to the particular CPU chip you have.

Alright thanks, the pre applied paste was mediumly spread as three stripes so i guess i will do it like that too.

Don't, just don't. not only old paste is difficult to spread properly (they set after some time) but any dust it would almost instantly stick to it also has particles larger than that the paste is made with. Paste is not only some grease but is made of super fine particles of metal or ceramic over 90% just held in suspension in silicone based compound.

Thanks, what should i use to clean the old paste if i'm unable to get my hands on isopropyl alcohol ?

 

[CountMike]

Alright thanks, the pre applied paste was mediumly spread as three stripes so i guess i will do it like that too.

Thanks, what should i use to clean the old paste if i'm unable to get my hands on isopropyl alcohol ?

Any high concentration alcohol would do, Ethyl, Methyl or even acetone or medical benzine. Even just clean lint free rug or paper towels.

 

[DSzymborski]

Looking at that image, I'd redo the thermal paste even if that had been put on 30 minutes before; it does not seem to have been applied well in the first place.

 

[geofelt]

your image does not link.

What cpu and cooler are we talking about?

The good answer to your question is no.

The bad answer is you can go ahead and try.
but plan on buying paste and alcohol to reapply and do it right.
The hotter the processor, the more important it is to replace the paste.