29

If I remove the heatsink from my processor temporarily, then later put it back without changing the heatsink or CPU, do I need to reapply thermal paste?

Improve this question

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
20

The thermal paste is there to provide good heat conductivity between the CPU and the heatsink. If you separate the two, it is best for you to reapply some thermal paste (VERY thin layer) in order to maintain good thermal contact between the two.

I usually prefer to clean both the heat sink and the CPU with a Q-Tip and some alcohol before reapplying thermal paste… And I have never experienced any problems doing so but I can't really recommend doing so in case either your heat sink or CPU does not like alcohol.

Improve this answer
3
  • 5
    Hmmm. A drunk computer doesn't sound good. Then again, that's what might happen if you don't attach the heat sink correctly; I've had some funny problems with my overheating computer.
    – Daniel H
    Commented Dec 18, 2009 at 1:37
  • 4
    @Daniel I hope you're being sarcastic...pretty sure Shoeless meant to say rubbing alcohol, not drinking alcohol.
    – Adam Ryan
    Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 22:26
  • Do you have any scientific evidence to backup your assertion that 'it is best for you to reapply'?
    – niico
    Commented May 21, 2020 at 12:16
17

Can you? Yes.

Should you? Probably not.

Do you really want to risk it? A tube of thermal paste costs $15 at a computer repair shop and is good for several applications.

Improve this answer
3
  • 7
    Agreed. (I couldn't type in my answer fast enough. :) I've had excellent luck with the Arctic Silver products. They make a cleaning kit called "Arcti-Clean" that includes a solvent to remove the old paste. Paper coffee filters work great for cleaning off the old paste without leaving any lint behind.
    – Tim Lara
    Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 22:52
  • Nice one on the coffee filters Tim, I gotta try that... might just have to dismantle a PC to give it a shot ;)
    – Shoeless
    Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 22:54
  • Do you have any scientific evidence to backup your assertion 'probably not'?
    – niico
    Commented May 21, 2020 at 12:17
2

I basically fried my CPU back in Dec 08 and needed to buy a new one due to the fact that, I didn't replace the thermal compound. It was something that I greatly regret and whenever someone now says, "no thermal compound is needed", I would laugh at them and their fried CPU if they actually did replace the heat sink without the thermal compound. It just isn't worth taking the risk! I did and where did it get me?

Improve this answer
3
  • 1
    +1, since you are the only one who provided actual data showing that reapplication is wise.
    – unforgettableidSupportsMonica
    Commented Nov 22, 2013 at 3:34
  • 2
    Dear all: how could the user's CPU have been destroyed? And why might his/her PC not have shut off automatically before the destruction took place?
    – unforgettableidSupportsMonica
    Commented Nov 22, 2013 at 3:35
  • Wait. Are you saying you cleaned the thermal compound off and had none, or just that you lifted the fan off and put it straight back on with all the original thermal paste still there? Vast difference, not clear.
    – niico
    Commented May 21, 2020 at 12:19
0

I just did it. Cleaned my PC removed the heatsink to clean the fan and didn't replace the thermal paste -(which looked like it will need to be replace soon enough)- and my computer is not giving me any troubles yet, so Yes you can do it. It is just not recommended you do so.

Improve this answer
2
  • Mine worked too, with a little bit of thermal throttling
    – Suici Doga
    Commented Mar 14, 2016 at 14:35
  • Why is it not recommended? Data required.
    – niico
    Commented May 21, 2020 at 12:19

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .