Question Yet another thermal paste question

[aceace33333]

I installed a new CPU / Liquid Cooler yesterday (9900k & NZXT X72).



After fastening on the NZXT heatsink, I realized my RAM would not fit due to the position of the heatsink’s water tubes. So, I lifted off the heatsink, rotated 90degrees, and re-fixed it down. Unfortunately, that orientation still didn’t work, so I took it off, rotated another 90degrees; and fastened it down (this time it was fine).



Thus, I took the heatsink off 2x after the initial application. Both times I looked at the thermal paste on the cpu and heatsink, and both seemed well-spread.



I am wondering if it is worth the hassle to go back and take off heatsink just to reapply the thermal paste. For what it’s worth, I’m running a very mild OC (4.8 w/1.25v). So far, the 9900k idles at ~45degrees, and averages low-mid 50s during gaming. Highest I’ve seen it hit is 60c and that’s only occasional peaks.



So, with modest temps like that, should I even be worrying about my thermal paste application being messed up with 2 “resets” of the heatsink? I’ve read many comments about ‘air bubbles’ and don’t know A) if they’re really a thing, and B) if they’d even matter at these temps.



Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

[kanewolf]

I installed a new CPU / Liquid Cooler yesterday (9900k & NZXT X72).



After fastening on the NZXT heatsink, I realized my RAM would not fit due to the position of the heatsink’s water tubes. So, I lifted off the heatsink, rotated 90degrees, and re-fixed it down. Unfortunately, that orientation still didn’t work, so I took it off, rotated another 90degrees; and fastened it down (this time it was fine).



Thus, I took the heatsink off 2x after the initial application. Both times I looked at the thermal paste on the cpu and heatsink, and both seemed well-spread.



I am wondering if it is worth the hassle to go back and take off heatsink just to reapply the thermal paste. For what it’s worth, I’m running a very mild OC (4.8 w/1.25v). So far, the 9900k idles at ~45degrees, and averages low-mid 50s during gaming. Highest I’ve seen it hit is 60c and that’s only occasional peaks.



So, with modest temps like that, should I even be worrying about my thermal paste application being messed up with 2 “resets” of the heatsink? I’ve read many comments about ‘air bubbles’ and don’t know A) if they’re really a thing, and B) if they’d even matter at these temps.



Thanks in advance for the replies.

I wouldn't worry about it. You didn't contaminate it or lessen the amount. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

 

[aceace33333]

I wouldn't worry about it. You didn't contaminate it or lessen the amount. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Yea that’s the thing. I’m more worried about opening it up, trying to fix it, only to wind up contaminating it, or getting a subpar thermal spread.