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No more thermal paste

ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member -  
ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member -
Hello, when I wanted to clean my tower, I saw that there was no thermal paste left between the heatsink and the processor. I would like to know if that was why my computer is lagging a lot and takes a long time to boot up. I don't have any thermal paste on hand, but if it's necessary, I could get some. Thank you in advance.

2 answers

  1.
    Judge_DT Posted messages 27651 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   10 013
     
    Hello,

    It is indeed necessary and imperative!

    Without thermal paste, thermal conduction cannot occur (properly) and therefore heat cannot be dissipated.

    Besides the slowness encountered, there is also a security risk for the components which can burn as well.

    Never ever use a machine on which there is no thermal paste between the processor and the heatsink.

    --
    ~ To know how to listen is to possess, besides one's own, the minds of others... Leonardo da Vinci said.
    ~ “The art of writing is first and foremost to make oneself understood” — Eugène Delacroix
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    1. ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member
       
      Thank you for your reply! So I'd like to know if it's necessary to clean it before putting more on top, since for me there is nothing left.
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      1. Judge_DT Posted messages 27651 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   10 013 > ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member
         
        Yes.

        Always make sure to remove any that are still present, as there should normally be some remnants. It doesn't just disappear like magic either... It dries up, at most, it "shrinks" due to dehydration, but if there’s none left at all, have you not maintained the thing for 10 years? :-)
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    2. ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member
       
      It's been 2 to 3 [weeks/months/years—clarification needed] since I last touched it, by the way, should it be changed regularly?
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      1. Judge_DT Posted messages 27651 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   10 013 > ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member
         
        Rather yes, like dusting.

        At least once a year for heavy use, or once every two years for less intensive use of the machine.

        For the dust, if the machine collects a lot, every month to every 3-6 months, depending on how much it picks up the dust :-)
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    3. ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member
       
      Ah! I can tell you that during these 2-3 years, with regular use, I haven't cleaned it a single time! I understand better now why my machine has become less efficient than before. Thank you very much for your help!
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  2. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782
     
    Hello.

    Just passing by . . . Be careful not to buy the cheapest thermal paste either! It will disintegrate very quickly (I’ve seen some online for less than €1 for 5 grams!!!) One of the best = Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut.

    Personally, I use ARCTIC MX-4. (20 grams for me) A good quality/price ratio.

    This is just a suggestion, of course . . . See you

    --
    There's no point in rushing; you have to start on time . . .
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    1. ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member
       
      Okay! Thanks for your advice!
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    2. Judge_DT Posted messages 27651 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   10 013
       
      Personally,

      I also use large formats... But... I handle dozens of PCs each month where I change thermal paste, so the large volume is interesting.

      For an individual who only changes it once a year or every two years, it's not necessarily worthwhile to buy large tubes, as it can dry out in the tube once opened... and then it becomes less useful ;-)

      But indeed, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is the most interesting, then there’s the NT-H1 from Noctua or the MX-4 from Arctic.

      Metal particle thermal pastes are very good, but totally not recommended for beginners, as improper use can cause serious problems! And it's very strict regarding usage.
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    3. ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member
       
      I admit that I don't know anything about it, so if you recommend the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, I think I'll get it. My brother built this tower, so this will be the first time I'll apply the thermal paste.
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    4. Jojolaguitare Posted messages 12012 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 782
       
      Indeed, 3.5 grams will be enough. Even 20 grams is a bit too much for my use. I only service an average of 5 computers a year, and I take the opportunity to change the thermal paste and the battery while I'm at it (when there is one).

      Good evening . . .
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    5. ombreforce Posted messages 14 Status Member
       
      Okay, thank you! Have a good evening!
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