▷ When to change the thermal paste of my processor?

When assembling a PC, one of the most important aspects is that of temperatures and how to control them. Thermal paste is one of our most important allies for this purpose, which is frequently used in the processor (CPU). In this article we will explain the keys to know when to change the thermal paste in our processor or graphics card.

Index of contents

What is the task of thermal paste?

The thermal paste has the function of transmitting the heat generated by the CPU directly to the heatsink. Today, it is not conceivable to install a CPU without using thermal paste, since the surface of the heatsink and the processor are not perfectly smooth, therefore, without a thermal paste, heat transmission would be inefficient.

Now, the properties of the thermal paste do not last forever and tend to dry out at the same time, that's when the time comes to replace it, but…

How do we know when the time comes to replace the thermal paste?

The first symptom that we will notice is the increase in the temperature of the CPU, this can be identified with any tool for this purpose (Core Temp, for example). As we see the example in the image (with the beloved i7-8700k from my partner Miguel), the temperature is quite far from 90 degrees, this is thanks to the DELID that it has made to its processor. For this reason, it does not have too high temperatures and near the maximum operating limit.

All AMD and Intel processors have a maximum operating temperature range, you can search your processor model on the official sites of both companies to find out the maximum temperature specifications. If the temperature of your CPU is close to the maximum operating, there is a problem in heat dissipation.

This may be due not only to dust accumulated on the heatsink and fan, but also due to an 'expired' thermal paste that can no longer do its job well. That is the time to replace it.

How often do you have to change the thermal paste?

This will depend on the type of pasta that we are going to use. If we use a 'cheap' thermal paste, it is best to replace it every six months or every year. Then we have some higher quality pastes, like the Noctua NT-H1 or the Arctic MX4, which can last up to 5 years after applying. Although these pastes are usually of higher quality and last longer, it is also not advisable to take so long to replace it. Each year would be the most logical and the general rule. Don't be afraid of it! If not you can always choose to take it to your nearest computer store

And on the graphics card or GPU is it necessary?

Exactly the same thing happens on graphics cards as on processors, but normally the removal of this dedicated card is much more delicate than that of a processor heatsink. We recommend that you change it once the warranty ends. Although, if you are handymen and it does not have a guarantee seal, you can change it and keep the thermal pads, which if it does not crack or dissolve, it is not necessary to change each year. You can lower from 3 to 10 ºC compared to the original thermal paste.

What thermal paste do I buy?

We always recommend Arctic MX-4 because it is non-conductive and we can find it in different sizes. Also the Noctua NT-H1 is great:

Arctic MX-4 Carbon Microparticle Thermal Compound, Thermal Paste for any CPU Fan - 4 grams EUR 7.29 Arctic MX-4 Carbon Microparticle Thermal Compound, Thermal Paste for any CPU Fan - 20 grams 20.79 EUR Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, thermal paste (3.5g) 7.90 EUR

I hope you found our article on how to replace the thermal paste useful. Any recommendations that we have forgotten?

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