CPU how often do you/should you change your thermal paste on cpu

just wondering because i think my cpu is about 1-2 degrees hotter than when i first installed the cooler

do you think the paste needs changing? should it be changed at regular intervals for optimum cooling?

 

depends on what you are using, but IIRC within 2 years should be fine.

(please correct me if im wrong)

 

Around once a year should do you fine in most instances.

 

Could just be differences in ambient temperature. Weather is getting better now spring is here.

 

true. i wish i had air con in my room

 

I usually do mine once a year.

 

Depends on how often you upgrade your machine. If you upgrade every couple of years then you should only need to apply it once. Unless you notice your temps go up unusually after X amount of time.

 

As Deders has mentioned, perhaps its just a change in the temperature of the room.

I've never changed the TIM on my CPU, I figure once its on (if done right) its hardly going anywhere so may as well leave it unless I notice a serious change in temp.

 

Unless we talk about 10C+ difference, there is no point in changing the thermal paste. Do it when you upgrade.

 

+1

Although, I upgrade/reconfigure my rig so often, the TIM gets replaced two or three times a year.

 

Same here . CPU usually stays, but boards get swapped way too often .

 

Mine is only ever changed when I upgrade (12-18 months).

 

This

 

Nope. Most decent thermal compounds go for years.

The 1-2'C difference can probably be attributed to the following:

1) Dust build-up. Dust would obviously reduce the transfer of heat from the heatsink to air.

2) Fan wear and tear. The fan slows down ever so slightly due to wear and tear and also if it's bogged down by dust (see point 1).

 

When I change my CPU or cooler; there's no need to keep changing it if you get a decent compound.

 

Not all pastes need changing even once in 2 years. Some pastes are rated longer. You don't have any dust blocking heatsink fins do you?

 

nah not that i can see. i did give it a quick blow with the air duster a few weeks ago just in case

its not really a big deal 1-2 degrees il live with. maybe its just warmer these days

 

I have never changed my TIM paste on any of my rigs.

Some of mine have run for 7 years non-stop. The only problems I have had is with PSU or with GPU fans; one change of GPU.

I've never noticed any or negligible difference in cooling temps.

 

If I recall the Arctic MX4 i bought is rated at about 5 years or something. I forget.

 

8 years