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i5-4670k thermal paste question (re: included fan heatsink)

Tags:
  • Fan
  • Heatsinks
  • Thermal Compound
  • CPUs
  • Intel i5
Last response: in CPUs
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November 20, 2013 7:05:57 PM

I am purchasing the i5-4670k and notice that it comes with an Intel retail boxed fan heatsink. I understand that it will be attached to the CPU with thermal paste. I am wondering if I will need to reapply the thermal paste later down the road just for maintenance even if I do not change my system in any way. I am wondering if the thermal paste will wear out on its own/get old and lose its hold in a couple of years. Please let me know.

More about : 4670k thermal paste question included fan heatsink

a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 7:08:50 PM

You don't actually have to change it, but it will help keep your temps down to replace it in the future. I'd suggest going ahead and buying aftermarket now, it's only like $5 for a syringe and is very easy to apply.
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a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 7:08:52 PM

It's not a glue, it helps transfer heat. In an ideal world, you'd change it every year, but if you don't you should be fine.
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November 20, 2013 7:48:22 PM

Thanks for the fast responses. I did not realize that it is not glue. I had no idea that the thermal paste helps transfer the heat. Thank you for explaining that.

1) So, if the thermal paste is not a glue, how is the heatsink attached? Is it screwed in to the motherboard?

2) Could you please tell me why it was suggested that I purchase aftermarket thermal paste. Will it last a lot longer? I am not doing it myself, I am having a system built for me at a computer store from the parts I chose.

3) If I don't have to reapply the thermal paste, I would prefer not to do that. If I plan on not changing it, should I be watching out for something as an indicator that it may need changing if I keep the computer for 5 - 10 years? I have been using my current computer for about 9 years (almost 10). I prefer low maintenance, but I am willing to do maintenance if it is going to help my computer last longer.
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a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 7:54:53 PM

1) Yes, it's screwed or otherwise latched onto the motherboard.
2) You don't need it, disregard.
3) You won't need to change it, it will last (the performance may diminish over time, but you won't notice it).
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a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 7:56:38 PM

Thermal paste is also known as thermal grease which is probably a better term. It is just a compound that transfers heat to the heatsink, nothing more. Aftermarket thermal paste dropped my temps considerably from stock, and even more once I added an aftermarket heatsink.

The heatsink is just screwed into the motherboard, it takes about 30 seconds for someone experienced to remove it and replace the paste, but it's not absolutely necessary if it's done right. If you really have the system as long as you say, you should try it yourself, or at least take it in once every few years for someone to do it for you.
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November 20, 2013 8:22:03 PM

Thank you Blaise170 and P1nnacle for your fast and informative responses. I really appreciate your feedback. You've both helped me to better understand the situation.
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a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 8:30:49 PM

No problem, anything else or can you mark the thread as solved?
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November 20, 2013 8:39:58 PM

P1nnacle said:
No problem, anything else or can you mark the thread as solved?



You have both answered my questions and this thread can be marked as solved. I'm not sure how to to that though.
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a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 8:47:46 PM

Whichever answer you think is best, there will be a button on the bottom right corner of the box that says "Pick as the solution".
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a b à CPUs
November 21, 2013 5:44:17 AM

^+1, I should have been more explanatory.
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February 27, 2014 12:55:27 PM

This is mu build and i bought an i5 4670k , my question is : it is necesarry of really important to apply thermal paste to my cpu? or its really good if i drop it.? http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2044425/urgent-p...
P1nnacle said:
^+1, I should have been more explanatory.


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a b à CPUs
February 28, 2014 12:41:19 PM

Nko said:
This is mu build and i bought an i5 4670k , my question is : it is necesarry of really important to apply thermal paste to my cpu? or its really good if i drop it.? http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2044425/urgent-p...



It's required that you use thermal paste. Whether you use the stock paste or aftermarket is a different question. For future reference, you should start a new thread so that people will be more helpful.
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