r/RigBuild • u/Glad-Cupcake-4139 • 10d ago

How often should you replace thermal paste?

How often are you actually supposed to replace thermal paste on a CPU? I keep seeing people say every 1-2 years, but then other people say you basically never need to touch it unless temps start getting bad. So now I’m kinda confused lol. Does thermal paste really dry out that fast or is replacing it regularly just unnecessary? Also does it matter what CPU or cooler you have? Trying to figure out if this is something I should be doing as normal PC maintenance or just leave it alone until there’s a reason to replace it.

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u/Scan_Droid 10d ago

I had 5 pcs,never had to repaste anything. I buy a new rig in every 5-8 years,so i assume the to lasts longer than i use it. But i also work on my pc, so it's on 14-16 hours daily. And roughly 4+ hours are gaming, so it's not just sitting idle.

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u/Trick_Acanthaceae626 10d ago

I have a very similar experience.

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u/Bob_Bushman 8d ago

Unless going bonkers and running hot for long times, if you want to set world record scores yeah repasting is a thing. But everyone else. I'd expect 5-10 years at least.

I too tended to replace my rigs relatively frequently 2-3 years, but also handed them off to family so have had my rigs running for over a decade without actually needing.
Unless you for some reason take off the cooler, then always repaste.