By filling tiny spaces between components the facilitates efficient heat transfer from the processor to the heat sink. Read this complete guide to learn all about thermal.
What is Thermal Paste?
You have seen how firmly the heat sink connects to the chip. The apparent tight connection forms microscopic pockets of air that stop effective heat conduction. Air prevents efficient heat transfer because it conducts heat energy poorly.
The trapped heat inside these air bubbles causes the CPU to heat up steadily, so thermal paste becomes essential.
It fills spaces between a heat sink and CPU to form a perfect connection that helps heat flow better.
The heat transfer performance of thermal compound decreases when it becomes dry through age. The processor heats up because thermal paste loses its ability to conduct heat past its dried state. Time to replace thermal to keep your computer temperature at comfortable levels.
Does Thermal Paste Last Inside the Tube?
Once sealed inside the tube you can safely use the thermal paste between two and three years. Your storage practices will influence how many extra years it remains usable. Put the thermal paste in an airtight container and keep it in a cold dry location to extend its longevity.
The storage period of thermal paste depends on both its material quality and manufacturing components. Thermal pastes that exceed 5 years should not be used in applications.
How Long Does Thermal Paste Last On Devices?
Typically, thermal paste lasts between 2-4 years on your CPU, GPU, or any other chip.
Your cooling system with thermal paste can last anywhere from 2 years to as little as 10 years, depending on the climate, usage, and quality of the compound.
Before you think about reapplying thermal paste, check your CPU’s temperature. If you notice that the temperature is much higher than normal, it could be because the thermal is not working as it should.
Excessive PC Usage
If your PC is overclocked almost all the time, it can cause the CPU and GPU to overheat, causing the thermal paste to lose its conductivity. Also, overclocking your computer and playing graphics-intensive games can cause it to run hotter than usual. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of the thermal.
If you are someone who uses your PC 24/7, be careful because the thermal will not last more than a year or two.
Quality of the Thermal Paste
Poor quality it will result in poor performance. It will lose its thermal connectivity sooner than expected, resulting in you having to replace the paste more often than necessary. It is always wise to choose something that will last longer than something of lower quality.
Climate and Surroundings
Rising temperatures can cause thermal paste to lose its effectiveness. This means that if you live in an area or place your PC in a room where it gets very hot, the thermal paste will lose its conductivity very quickly. You may then need to replace the it more frequently. Try installing CPU fans to control temperatures.
When Should You Reapply Thermal Paste?
When the temperature of the CPU or GPU is unusually high or when the PC is not working as efficiently as it should, it may mean that it is time to reapply it. The time has come.
However, dust that accumulates on the heat sink fan can also cause the CPU and other components to overheat. Therefore, we recommend cleaning the accumulated dust on the heat sink and then turning the device back on. If you still notice overheating, it means that the processor needs a new layer of thermal.
It will not work after removing the heat sink for whatever reason. Therefore, if by any means you remove the heat sink from the processor, you must first clean the old thermal paste from the chip and apply a new layer of thermal paste.
Conclusion
It works as an excellent thermal insulator when used correctly in the right amount. This can cool your CPU by 2 to 3 degrees. It can last 2 to 5 years depending on usage, outside temperature, and the quality of the product.
If kept inside a tube, it will easily last 2 to 3 years. Remember that applying too much thermal does more harm than good. It can leak out the sides, causing the motherboard to overheat. Use a pea-sized amount and spread it with a thermal spreader and you’re good to go.
