How often should one replace Thermal paste?

[Cyberspirit]

Just curious how often should I replace my thermal paste.

Currently, I've been using Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut with a Dark Rock 3 on an I5-6600k @ 4.5 for around 7 months now without problems (luckily) so I'm just curious.

 

[Enderman]

Like maybe 5-10 years or so?

Or sooner if you notice bad temps.

[Technomancer__]

Test every year with a burn test and when there is a big difference from the original temps change it

[Atmos]

When you notice your temps have taken a dive and clearing out any dust from your heatsinks fails to alleviate the problem.

Most modern thermal compounds, as long as you didn't shoot for the stock stuff, or the cheapo chinesium grade quality stuff, should be fine for as long as the component is functioning pretty much. Its a non-problem 95% of the time in custom builds.

[Theguywhobea]

Everyday

[Cyberspirit]

25 minutes ago, Enderman said:

Like maybe 5-10 years or so?

Or sooner if you notice bad temps.

Ah, thanks! I thought it was like 1-2 years. 

23 minutes ago, Ethocreeper said:

Test every year with a burn test and when there is a big difference from the original temps change it

Thanks for the advice. So far the highest my temps got was 65C but, after getting better fans it only hits 60C max on a stress test. (while having the CPU cooler set to a pretty silent setting)

 

[minibois]

3 minutes ago, Theguywhobea said:

Everyday

>not replacing it every literal second of the day

What is life even

/s

 

Thermal paste is made to last, especially the higher end stuff. I would be inclined to say every 3 years, as I find every 5 years a bit too much (thermal paste can become quite dry in that time already). 

[Enderman]

28 minutes ago, Minibois said:

Thermal paste is made to last, especially the higher end stuff. I would be inclined to say every 3 years, as I find every 5 years a bit too much (thermal paste can become quite dry in that time already). 

Only crappy thermal pastes dry out, I haven't replaced my MX-4 in many years and the temps are still the same.

[Cyberspirit]

9 minutes ago, Enderman said:

Only crappy thermal pastes dry out, I haven't replaced my MX-4 in many years and the temps are still the same.

I've heard about the MX-4 a lot but, as far as I know, the Kryonaut should be as good?

[Enderman]

55 minutes ago, Cyberspirit said:

I've heard about the MX-4 a lot but, as far as I know, the Kryonaut should be as good?

I would assume so.

[LogicalDrm]

Noctua recommends change every 3 years. I have actually changed paste about that time frame but because of changing mobo, adding RAM and changing case, not because of temps.

[Cyberspirit]

41 minutes ago, LoGiCalDrm said:

Noctua recommends change every 3 years. I have actually changed paste about that time frame but because of changing mobo, adding RAM and changing case, not because of temps.

Well since thermal paste is pretty cheap I think I'll change it after like 3-4 years or if the temps get worst.

 

Off topic but, why do you dislike Corsair? I have a PSU from them so, I hope there isn't something horrible I don't know about.

[LogicalDrm]

19 minutes ago, Cyberspirit said:

Off topic but, why do you dislike Corsair? I have a PSU from them so, I hope there isn't something horrible I don't know about.

 

I just don't like the brand. Its like some just don't like Apple or Samsung. Antec is another one. Both have their low end which actually is bad. I also really dislike Logitechs mouse design, among other brands.