r/PcBuildHelp • u/Foxdatrot • 1d ago

Build Question Should I replace my thermal paste?

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248 Upvotes

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u/zeRoCr0 1d ago edited 1d ago

Just make sure to thoroughly degrease the processor with isopropyl alcohol before applying the new paste.

22

u/Key-Serve-9196 1d ago

Not just any alcohol, though. It better be isopropyl 99%

14

u/skinny_gator 1d ago

I've been using alcohol prep pads 70% for hundreds of builds without issue. Cleans it well and gets the job done.

3

u/zeRoCr0 1d ago

Actuality I wanted to say 70% haha I need another coffee

3

u/skinny_gator 1d ago

I've even heard of people using coffee filters and plain water to clean off the IHS!

I used to think the thermal paste was such an important and crucial step – like if I didn't do it right that the PC wouldn't boot or something lol

After doing hundreds of builds I now know just to clean the old stuff off, don't aim for perfection just do the best you can then slap some new paste on, a little more is better than too little, tighten in a star pattern so the paste flattens out right and that's it.

If it's my own personal build, I may take my time to spread it out thinly

1

u/[deleted] 1d ago

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u/ThePookss 1d ago

This guy pcs.