thermal paste question

[dima_]

So I'm getting a new heatsink soon and I was wondering if I'll have to remove the thermal paste on my CPU already and reapply new paste? This build is a little over a year old. If so, how do I go about removing the paste on it, and when applying it again, just a drop, right?

[m_tieu]

Remove it with some isopropyl alcohol and lint free cloth on the cooler and CPU then reapply new paste with a pea sized drop in the middle.

[Lolzious]

What he said ^^^

[dima_]

Thank you guys!

[VirtualR3ality]

Just don't be like Linus and use toilet paper 

[Leonard]

So I'm getting a new heatsink soon and I was wondering if I'll have to remove the thermal paste on my CPU already and reapply new paste? This build is a little over a year old. If so, how do I go about removing the paste on it, and when applying it again, just a drop, right?

The guy below states the general rule of thumb but the paste application is dependent on the type of TIM used. Follow the manufacture's TIM instructions. (TIM = thermal interface material = thermal paste)

 

Remove it with some isopropyl alcohol and lint free cloth on the cooler and CPU then reapply new paste with a pea sized drop in the middle.