How often should you reapply thermal paste?

[davcon]

Hi fellas! just out of curiosity do you replace your compound once a year as a rule ?
or do you just wait for telltale signs?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

It depends on what thermal paste you're talking about. Many pastes work just fine for many years. Arctic Silver 5 is one paste that performs best if you replace it every year or two.

 

[OvrClkr]

I replace my MX-2 every 6-12 months depending on temps. If temps stay the same I leave it alone, if they start to raise gradually after a prolonged period of time I re-paste...

I stay away from AS5 simply because it takes to long to cure and if it gets on your board it can cause severe damage..

 

[shortstuff_mt]

I've also gone from using AS5 to using MX-2. I've never had a problem with MX-2 performance degrading over time. MX-2 also cools just as well as AS5, doesn't have a cure time, and is not conductive.

 

[davcon]

Best answer selected by Davcon.

 

[davcon]

Thanks guys great feedback two bad i could only pick one of you.

 

[OvrClkr]

I gave it back to shortstuff because he replied first and his answer was actually more relevant than mines.

Cheers!

 

[davcon]

Either way that was nice of you !
btw how do you transfer a best answer?
something i've never seen before

 

[OvrClkr]

I am a moderator here on Toms. Basically here to help anyone in need =)

 

[Zach Manos]

I am a moderator here on Toms. Basically here to help anyone in need =)

I hope there isnt a rule against replying to old threads. I am a first timer installing my new motherboard. I removed the thermal paste from my CPU. I'm assuming I should reapply some?