Apply Thermal Paste to AIO?

lerodemmy · February 20, 2020

I’ve just installed my CPU and now I’m installing my AIO. It’s the Corsair H100i Platinum SE. My understanding is that it comes with thermal paste pre-applied. Is that good enough, or should I apply my own?

Dujith · February 20, 2020

That should be enough. If you doubt it you will need to remove it (clean it off) and apply your own paste.

WaterBear · February 20, 2020

It will most likely be fine. If you do decide to apply your own thermal paste, though, make sure to remove the already applied one.

Sorenson · February 20, 2020

It depends on how old the thermal paste is. You should be fine with an H100i Platinum, but I would make sure it hasn't dried out. I got an H80i V2 where the thermal paste was so hard it didn't spread at all after installing it. It could have been a one time fluke, but ever since I've checked the thermal paste on an AIO before installing it.

aisle9 · February 20, 2020

11 minutes ago, lerodemmy said:

I’ve just installed my CPU and now I’m installing my AIO. It’s the Corsair H100i Platinum SE. My understanding is that it comes with thermal paste pre-applied. Is that good enough, or should I apply my own?

The Verge says to add more, and if the Verge says to do it, they're wrong.