cpu CPU thermal paste question

[Rubrix]

Hello guys!

I'm planning to upgrade my old cpu (i5 6400) for a new i5 10600K, but i have a few questions.

My current cpu is installed with a intel stock cooler, and i've heard those already include some thermal paste on the cooler. I'm planning to just reuse this cooler because my new cpu doesnt come with one.

But because i already used the cooler for like 3 years, is it necessary to buy some new thermal paste to apply to my cpu or cooler?

 

I would really appreciate some answers!

[Tan3l6]

The i5 6400 cooler might not be enough. 

[WereCat]

yes, get a new thermal paste, its like $5

 

[Rubrix]

1 minute ago, WereCat said:

yes, get a new thermal paste, its like $5

 

And should i just apply it to my CPU? not the cooler

[Tan3l6]

If the original cooler looks like this, then do consider buying a proper cooler.

[WereCat]

Just now, Rubrix said:

And should i just apply it to my CPU? Just to be sure

yes, clean the cooler before as well

[Rubrix]

1 minute ago, Tan3l6 said:

If the original cooler looks like this, then do consider buying a proper cooler.

Shouldn't i just apply some extra thermal paste instead of buying a whole new cooler?

And yes, that cooler is the one i'm using rn

[Tan3l6]

2 minutes ago, Rubrix said:

Shouldn't i just apply some extra thermal paste instead of buying a whole new cooler?

And yes, that cooler is the one i'm using rn

It's up to you, but with that cooler your CPU might very easily overheat, be it new thermal paste or not.

Cooler Master Hyper 212 should be enough, though the price of a good cooler is varying depending of where you are located.

[Moonzy]

well first of all, i5 6400k doesnt exist, but that's not the point of this thread

 

you CAN use that cooler, but it's not recommended

you're going to get very high temps, if not hitting the throttling temps.

 

you can use it first, see how it goes, if it's insufficient then get a better cooler

[CommanderAlex]

37 minutes ago, Tan3l6 said:

If the original cooler looks like this, then do consider buying a proper cooler.

 

34 minutes ago, Rubrix said:

Shouldn't i just apply some extra thermal paste instead of buying a whole new cooler?

And yes, that cooler is the one i'm using rn

I would never use a Intel stock cooler on a newer processor as the heat output of the 10600k will be higher than the current processor. Also, grab a tube of high quality thermal paste, such as the noctua nt-h1 or equivalent. The majority of CPU coolers I see come with a small tube to get you going with the cooler (I know mine did).