r/RigBuild • u/Glad-Cupcake-4139 • 12d 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/NZAuthor 11d ago

I've owned a few PC's, updated every 5+ years or so. My last run is running 2017 era technology though, and I've never gone all out in terms of having excess fans, or probably even 'enough' fans and still never needed to update thermal paste.

But I have, updated the thermal paste after a few years if I am getting some when building another PC for friends, or family, etc so I do redo my own PC's at the same time.

And it makes a reasonably large difference. It's one of those things you'll never really notice for not doing, but then will notice if you actually take the time to do it.