When should I replace my CPU thermal paste?

[diseasedw0rm]

I used the thermal paste that came with the Scythe Mugen 5 Rev.B CPU cooler. I built my PC on Christmas, so December 25, 2021, so that's when I put the thermal paste on. Also what thermal paste should I use?

[CommanderAlex]

Quote

When should I replace my CPU thermal paste?

When you see temperatures start to climb that were not normal if the heatsinks/rad are free of dust. 

11 minutes ago, diseasedw0rm said:

Also what thermal paste should I use?

MX-4, Noctua NT-H1, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, and/or even Arctic Silver 5.

Edited January 21, 2022 by CommanderAlex
Forgot the 1 on H1

[GhostRoadieBL]

4 minutes ago, CommanderAlex said:

MX-4, Noctua NT-H, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, and/or even Arctic Silver 5.

don't forget Kingpin KPX

[CommanderAlex]

Just now, GhostRoadieBL said:

don't forget Kingpin KPX

Sure, you can use that if you want. 

[LanderAxier]

Only change your thermal paste if your temps are going abnormally high.

 

Changing your thermal paste if it's still working fine could get you a few degrees lower than before so it's not that big of a difference.

 

I would personally go for Kryonaut as it has good results on a lot of benchmarks and comparisons.

 

 

[DoctorNick]

6 hours ago, diseasedw0rm said:

 Also what thermal paste should I use?

NT-H2 is even better. I've used it over Kryonaut recently. Spreads better, if you use dot method.

[diseasedw0rm]

16 hours ago, CommanderAlex said:

When you see temperatures start to climb that were not normal if the heatsinks/rad are free of dust. 

MX-4, Noctua NT-H1, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, and/or even Arctic Silver 5.

How will I know if my temps start dropping? Or should I just start checking them like every month or a few times every month or something?

[CommanderAlex]

2 hours ago, diseasedw0rm said:

How will I know if my temps start dropping? Or should I just start checking them like every month or a few times every month or something?

Well, they should be rising. Check in sensor monitoring software like HWinfo64 or MSI Afterburner while in game. I personally have MSI Afterburner on in the top left corner with sensor readouts for CPU temp. If you're going with a quality thermal paste, it should last at least 2 years before having to repaste. For cleaning in between, depends on what environment your PC is in. If it is really dusty, expect to dust the heatsink and filters more often. 

 

Clean your intakes at least once a month and you should be fine for a long time.