[SOLVED] Thermal Paste

[Fatblabs]

I was looking through the internet to see if I should reuse the thermal paste that was already applied to my cpu (like opening up my cpu cooler then putting the cooler back in without replacing paste)

I still couldn't answer this question:
Yes or no? If yes why? If no, why not and what should I do with the paste If I opened up my cpu cooler?

 

[USAFRet]

I was looking through the internet to see if I should reuse the thermal paste that was already applied to my cpu (like opening up my cpu cooler then putting the cooler back in without replacing paste)

I still couldn't answer this question:
Yes or no? If yes why? If no, why not and what should I do with the paste If I opened up my cpu cooler?

No.
Once the system has been used, and you take the cooler off, you must clean the paste off and apply new.

Trying to reuse WILL result in air bubbles between CPU and cooler.

 

[Fatblabs]

No.
Once the system has been used, and you take the cooler off, you must clean the paste off and apply new.

Trying to reuse WILL result in air bubbles between CPU and cooler.

What if i Currently don't have thermal paste with me? Would it be ok to game for a couple weeks without paste and without having problems?

 

[drea.drechsler]

Really, only reuse it if you're in a serious bind and can't wait for Amazon to deliver a fresh tube.

I'd reuse it if I could get an even distribution. but if it's hardened and won't cooperate I'd probably prefer to use some tooth paste until the new tube arrives.

 

[USAFRet]

What if i Currently don't have thermal paste with me? Would it be ok to game for a couple weeks without paste and without having problems?

No, it is not 'fine'.

Buy paste before you take it apart.

 

[Fatblabs]

Really, only reuse it if you're in a serious bind and can't wait for Amazon to deliver a fresh tube. Or don't want to chance toothpaste for a couple days.

Using toothpaste is unimaginable tbh

 

[Fatblabs]

No, it is not 'fine'.

Buy paste before you take it apart.

Is it that bad?

 

[USAFRet]

Is it that bad?

Yes, it is that bad.

Do not do this.

 

[drea.drechsler]

Using toothpaste is unimaginable tbh

Actually...it's not a bad thermal conductor and cleans off easily too. But it dries out quickly and even the slightest disturbance will crack and degrade performance.

Keep in mind the makeup and function of thermal interface material: it's just superfine particles to fill the microscopic voids between spreader and heatsink. toothpaste has the particles, just not the grease to suspend them in to keep it pliable with movement.

 

[Fatblabs]

Yes, it is that bad.

Do not do this.

what thermal paste would you think is the absolute best in the 5-40 dollar range?

 

[ohio_buckeye]

You don’t need to spend that much. I like Arctic mx4. That’s is reasonably inexpensive and lasts for a few applications depending on the size of the time you buy.

 

[USAFRet]

what thermal paste would you think is the absolute best in the 5-40 dollar range?

There is actually far less difference than you might think.

Read through this:
https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/best-thermal-paste

 

[drea.drechsler]

what thermal paste would you think is the absolute best in the 5-40 dollar range?

I like the Noctua NH-T1 NT-H1. It's highly rated, fairly cheap...and Amazon delivers a tube in a couple days.

 

[Fatblabs]

There is actually far less difference than you might think.

Read through this:
https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/best-thermal-paste

how would I clean my cpu thermal paste?

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Some use isopropyl alcohol. Personally I use a soft rag or paper towel and clean the old paste from the cpu and bottom of the cooler.