is it necessary to re-apply a new thermal paste if i have to remove cpu cooler for a few seconds

[xxx68]

Hello,  i am bulding a new pc and unfortunately one screw fell underneath cpu cooler. My question is : Is it necessary to re-apply a new thermal paste if i have to remove cpu cooler for a few seconds? Or can i just put cooler back ? Thanks

[Oshino Shinobu]

Not necessary, but it's best practice to, generally. If the paste is relatively fresh, you're fine to put it back on. 

[NinJake]

Mind as well!

[dizmo]

Depends on the age.

[xxx68]

the paste is brand new

[Skipple]

50 minutes ago, xxx68 said:

the paste is brand new

There is a chance that when you remove the cooler and re-attach it there could be air pockets. It's not the end of the world but best practice to re-apply after you lifted the cooler back off. 

[Tristerin]

Once you put it back on, before latching it down, wiggle it around ever so slightly to smooth out the TIM again.  If you can take a second and check the heat sink side you will see how it spread and should be obvious if any issues will occur when you put it back on (blank spots already on it and the CPU IHS etc)

[cafe]

yes

anyone who says otherwise is crazy tbh, the way you apply thermal paste matters, so why wouldnt ruining it by re-separating it matter?

[Gannam]

2 hours ago, Skipple said:

There is a chance that when you remove the cooler and re-attach it there could be air pockets. It's not the end of the world but best practice to re-apply after you lifted the cooler back off. 

You would be able to tell pretty fast with cpu temps yeah? Or them being inconsistent

Edited October 17, 2019 by Gannam

[LogicalDrm]

Doesn't matter in real life.

 

But do you need to remove cooler to retrieve screw? Just pick up whole board and give it a shake. I've successfully retrieved screws inside PSU. That gives you higher pulse than just with mobo.