cpu Should I replace the stock thermal paste?

[AbnormalFantasy]

I've been gradually saving parts one at a time for a year, and it is finally time to actually build the pc. I purchased my CPU (Ryzen 5 2600) in November 2019. I plan to use the stock cooler, but the thermal paste has been on it for over a year now, and my rooms temperature isn't the same year round (It's super hot in the Summer and super cold in the Winter).

 

My question is simple: Should I remove the paste that's been sitting in the box for a year and replace it with some Arctic MX-4?

 

[Downkey]

2 minutes ago, AbnormalFantasy said:

I've been gradually saving parts one at a time for a year, and it is finally time to actually build the pc. I purchased my CPU (Ryzen 5 2600) in November 2019. I plan to use the stock cooler, but the thermal paste has been on it for over a year now, and my rooms temperature isn't the same year round (It's super hot in the Summer and super cold in the Winter).

 

My question is simple: Should I remove the paste that's been sitting in the box for a year and replace it with some Arctic MX-4?

 

Are the temps of your 2600 still good? 

[dalekphalm]

1 minute ago, AbnormalFantasy said:

I've been gradually saving parts one at a time for a year, and it is finally time to actually build the pc. I purchased my CPU (Ryzen 5 2600) in November 2019. I plan to use the stock cooler, but the thermal paste has been on it for over a year now, and my rooms temperature isn't the same year round (It's super hot in the Summer and super cold in the Winter).

 

My question is simple: Should I remove the paste that's been sitting in the box for a year and replace it with some Arctic MX-4?

 

You can, but unless you unboxed the cooler and stored it without the protective cover that covers the thermal paste, it's probably totally fine. I would just make sure it's still gooey and not dried out right before you install.

[AndreiArgeanu]

Build the pc and install the cooler, run a stress test and see the temps, if they're really bad and not in line with what other people got with the stock cooler then change the thermal paste.

[AbnormalFantasy]

9 minutes ago, dalekphalm said:

You can, but unless you unboxed the cooler and stored it without the protective cover that covers the thermal paste, it's probably totally fine. I would just make sure it's still gooey and not dried out right before you install.

I opened the box to look at it and put it back the way I found it. Is there a little peel thing that protects it? Or do you mean the molded plastic shell inside the box?