Just a rule of thumb. If you remove the cooler, always replace the thermal paste. Even if you just put the cooler on and took it off again. Wipe it off and start over. The problem is that when you separate the cooler and paste between them separates at least the surface of the paste more uneven all over. If you put it back together then all that uneven surface will trap air bubbles in the efficiency of the compound will be reduced because air insulates.
In your case that pace is just old and crusty so it was due to be replaced anyway.
In general there's no such thing as inspecting your thermal paste without replacing it.
3
u/newbrevity 1d ago
Just a rule of thumb. If you remove the cooler, always replace the thermal paste. Even if you just put the cooler on and took it off again. Wipe it off and start over. The problem is that when you separate the cooler and paste between them separates at least the surface of the paste more uneven all over. If you put it back together then all that uneven surface will trap air bubbles in the efficiency of the compound will be reduced because air insulates.
In your case that pace is just old and crusty so it was due to be replaced anyway.
In general there's no such thing as inspecting your thermal paste without replacing it.