Thermal paste doesn’t last forever. How long a thermal paste lasts will depend on the PC usage, thermal paste quality and surroundings. It needs a replacement once in a while.
Applied as an interface between the chip and the heat sink, thermal paste helps in quickly transferring the heat by filling in the small air gaps which would otherwise heat up the processor.
Here’s everything that you would want to know about thermal paste.
What is Thermal Paste? How does Thermal Pasting Work?
You have noticed the heat sink tightly pressed against the chip. It may look like a tight seal, but unfortunately, it also leaves tiny air bubbles in between. And because air is a terrible conductor of heat, it stops the heat transfer process between the two.
The tiny air pockets trap the heat making the CPU raise its temperature over time, this is when you need thermal paste.
A thermal paste is basically a heat conductor that works by filling the air gaps between the heat sink and the processor creating an air-tight seal which allows efficient heat transfer.
With time, the efficiency of the thermal reduces as it becomes dry and old. Dried-out thermal paste can no longer transfer heat making the CPU get feverish. This is why you should reapply the thermal paste from time to time to stop the computer from overheating.
Does Thermal Paste Last Inside the Tube?
Sealed in the tube, the thermal paste can last easily for 2-3 years. It can last a few more years, depending on how you store it. Try to store the thermal paste in a cool, dry air-tight space to increase its shelf life.
How long it can last also depends on its quality and composition. But we do not advise using a thermal paste that is 5 years or older.
How Long Does it Last on Devices?
In general thermal paste lasts for about 2 to 4 years on your CPU or GPU or any other chip.
Your thermal paste can last as short as 2 years to as long as 10 years depending on the cooling system, weather, usage, and the quality of the compound.
Before you think of reapplying the thermal paste, check your CPU temperature. If you find the temperature much higher than normal, it might be because the thermal paste is not working as it should.
1. Excessive PC Usage
If your PC overruns almost all the time, it can make the CPU and GPU excessively hot which in turn causes the thermal paste to lose its conductivity. Also, overclocking your PC, and playing graphic intense games can produce more heat than usual. This can drastically reduce thermal paste’s lifespan.
If you are someone who runs his PC 24/7, be aware because the thermal paste will not last more than a year or two.
2. Quality of the Thermal Paste
Poor quality thermal paste will have poor performance. It will lose its thermal connectivity sooner than you expect, making you replace the paste more often than it’s needed. It’s always wise to choose something that will last longer than something that’s low on quality.
3. Climate and Surroundings
A rise in the temperature can make the thermal paste lose its efficiency. It means if you live in an area or position the PC in a room where it’s too hot, the thermal paste will lose its conductivity much sooner. Then you might need to change the thermal paste quite often. Try to install CPU fans to regulate the temperature.
4. Dust Build-Up
Dust accumulation can also play a role in decreasing the thermal paste’s lifespan. If your heatsink is unable to cool off your CPU, it may be because there’s a pile of dust on it.
When Should You Reapply Thermal Paste?
When the CPU or GPU temperature is abnormally high or when the PC performs not as efficiently as it should, it may mean it’s time to reapply the thermal paste.
Although, the dust accumulated on the heatsink fan can also overheat the CPU and other parts. So, we recommend cleaning the dust settled on the heat sink and then turning on the device again. If you still notice overheating, it means the processor needs fresh thermal paste coating.
The thermal pasting won’t work after you remove the heat sink for any reason. Therefore, if by any means, you remove the heatsink from the processor, you need to first clean the old thermal paste off the chip and apply a fresh thermal paste coating.
How to Re-apply Thermal Paste
CPU overheated because of old thermal paste? Don’t worry. You don’t have to do things alone. We are here to help you through the whole process.
Remember you cannot reapply the thermal paste over the previous one.
Follow the steps below to safely remove and reapply thermal paste.
You will need:
1. Remove the Heat Sink
To make your job easier, run the PC for about 15 mins. It will soften up the thermal paste, which otherwise is glued with the chip and the heat sink.
Now turn off your PC and switch everything off. Remove the bolts/screws of the heat sink. Now gently try to loosen up the heat sink by twisting back and forth. Don’t pull or twitch the heat sink while trying to remove it, as this can severely damage the CPU pins.
Once loose, the heat sink should come out fairly easily.
2. Remove Previous Thermal Paste
Take a clean cloth and rub gently to remove the residues of the previous thermal paste. It will remove the loose parts.
Now take the cloth and dip it into an isopropyl solution. You may also take thermal paste cleaners, but isopropyl alcohol will do just fine.
Gently wipe the chip from all sides until you see no old thermal paste residues. Get very gentle and cautious as any unnecessary pressure can potentially damage the parts of the chip.
Don’t forget to clean the heat sink as well. Let the chip dry. Wait for around 1 hour or so depending on the cleaner that you’re using.
3. Reapply the Thermal Paste
Now it’s time to reapply the thermal paste. We will recommend you using a thermal paste spreader while reapplying.
Take a pea size amount of thermal paste and put it directly at the center of your processor. Take the thermal paste spreader and spread the paste evenly.
In case you don’t have a spreader you can still directly apply the thermal paste. Make an ‘X’ at the centre as it would evenly distribute the product as you press the heat sink in.
4. Insert the Heatsink
Carefully place the heatsink over the chip. Place it as flat as possible to make sure the paste spreads evenly. Screw the heat sink back in place. Hold it for a few minutes and don’t move it.
Tips:
- If the heat sinks slips or moves from place, it can bring in air bubbles and the whole process is terminated. If this happens, you need to start over. Remove the old pasting and do it again.
- It is crucial to apply the right amount of thermal paste.
- Applying too much thermal paste can leak out from the sides spilling over the motherboard. The spilt paste will act as a thermal insulator causing the motherboard to overheat. Even worse, it can cause a short circuit, if your thermal paste is an electric conductor.
- If you apply too little that is not sufficient to cover the CPU it won’t seal the air pockets. Eventually, this will hamper the process causing the CPU to overheat.
How Much Thermal Paste Should I Use?
Ideally, a pea-size amount of thermal paste at the middle of the processor is adequate. As you reinsert the thermal paste make sure it doesn’t slip or slide or leak out from the edges. This is why using a thermal paste spreader is highly suggested.
Conclusion
Thermal paste works as an excellent thermal conductor when used in the right way in the right amount. It can make your CPU cool down by 2 to 3 degrees.
Depending on your usage, outside temperature and the product’s quality a thermal paste can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years.
When kept inside a tube it will easily last 2-3 years.
Please remember that applying more thermal paste does more harm than good. It can leak out from the sides causing the motherboard to overheat.
Use a pea-size amount and spread it with a thermal spreader and you are good to go.
