Question thermal paste needs to be replaced too often?

[lushka]

Hi,
I recently installed a new motherboard, which meant I had to reapply thermal paste to my CPU. Immediately after doing this and for approx. 2 weeks after, the CPU temperatures during gaming were perfect (low 70s, 60s). However, I noticed that after about 2-3 weeks, the temperatures started to climb - low 80s, which isn't bad but it is concerning. Eventually, even the least demanding games resulted in temps of 100C, so I decided to reapply the thermal paste in case I did something wrong. The same happened again - 2 to 3 weeks, maybe less, of optimal temps and then slow climb to overheating territory.
Does anyone know what could be causing this?
Thanks.

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

Hey there,

Well, key to all this, is your exact system specs, and also what paste are you using?

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

CPU temperatures during gaming were perfect (low 70s, 60s). However, I noticed that after about 2-3 weeks, the temperatures started to climb - low 80s, which isn't bad but it is concerning. Eventually, even the least demanding games resulted in temps of 100C

either you are using low quality paste or applying it incorrectly.

i've only had to replace thermal paste applications maybe once out of 10+ builds unless i was replacing the CPU.

currently using Prolimatech PK-3 and my i7-11700K idles ~30°C and maxes in the most demanding games ~60°C running @ 5.2GHz.
though i do have exceptional system-wide cooling so you'd have to keep that in mind when comparing actual temperatures.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Does anyone know what could be causing this?

What cpu?
What cpu cooler?

Probably cooling of your system is not adequate. Cooler too weak, insufficient case air flow, overclock too high.
With high temperatures thermal paste dries up quicker.
Can you show a photo of your system with side panel removed?
(upload to imgur.com and post link)

 

[Zerk2012]

Never heard of that.
Can't remember ever having to change paste.

I've worked on some really old Dell systems that used the old stock coolers that was never changed.

 

[lushka]

Hey there,

Well, key to all this, is your exact system specs, and also what paste are you using?

Windows 10
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
be quiet! PC 850W PSU
Intel® Core™ i7-10700K Processor
MSI Z490 GAMING CARBON WIFI motherboard

NZXT KRAKEN M22 Komplett-Wasserkühlung 120mm

and the paste i'm using is arctic mx-4 thermal compound.
I have the NZXT white case and I have heard it has issues regarding air circulation, but it has not caused problems for me before.

 

[SkyNetRising]

NZXT KRAKEN M22 Komplett-Wasserkühlung 120mm

I have the NZXT white case and I have heard it has issues regarding air circulation, but it has not caused problems for me before.

Probably your AIO is failing.
Can you show a photo of your system with side panel removed?
(upload to imgur.com and post link)

Note - pump is located in radiator.
Pump should not be in highest point in liquid loop or it can not function properly (air bubbles are collecting in it) and will eventually fail .

 

[shengton]

It's difficult to say for sure without more information, but there are a few possibilities that come to mind. First, it's possible that the thermal paste you are using is not performing as well as it should. Some thermal pastes can degrade over time, especially if they are exposed to high temperatures, which can cause them to become less effective at transferring heat from the CPU to the heatsink. In this case, switching to a different thermal paste may help.

 

[lushka]

It's difficult to say for sure without more information, but there are a few possibilities that come to mind. First, it's possible that the thermal paste you are using is not performing as well as it should. Some thermal pastes can degrade over time, especially if they are exposed to high temperatures, which can cause them to become less effective at transferring heat from the CPU to the heatsink. In this case, switching to a different thermal paste may help.

this could very well be the case, and it seems the easiest/cheapest option to try first. do you have any recommendations for a good thermal paste for this kind of build? thanks!

 

[SkyNetRising]

this could very well be the case, and it seems the easiest/cheapest option to try first. do you have any recommendations for a good thermal paste for this kind of build? thanks!

You still haven't shown us photo of your system with side panel removed.

Which model NZXT case are you using?

 

[shengton]

this could very well be the case, and it seems the easiest/cheapest option to try first. do you have any recommendations for a good thermal paste for this kind of build? thanks!

Some popular thermal pastes that are widely recommended by computer enthusiasts and professionals include:

• Arctic Silver 5: This is a high-performance thermal paste that is known for its excellent thermal conductivity and durability. It is a popular choice for enthusiasts and professionals who are looking for a top-performing thermal paste.
• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut: This is another high-performance thermal paste that is known for its excellent thermal conductivity and durability. It is a popular choice for enthusiasts and professionals who are looking for a top-performing thermal paste.
• Noctua NT-H1: This is a high-quality thermal paste that is known for its excellent thermal conductivity and durability. It is a popular choice for enthusiasts and professionals who are looking for a top-performing thermal paste.
• Cooler Master MasterGel Maker Nano: This is a high-performance thermal paste that is known for its excellent thermal conductivity and durability. It is a popular choice for enthusiasts and professionals who are looking for a top-performing thermal paste.

It's important to note that while these thermal pastes are generally considered to be among the best available, there is no one "best" thermal paste that is right for every situation. The best thermal paste for your specific needs will depend on a number of factors, so it's important to do your research and consider all of your options before making a decision.