Yes, thermal paste remains effective as long as it hasn't dried out or become contaminated.

F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Yes, thermal paste remains effective as long as it hasn't dried out or become contaminated.

theTomBomb2
Member

117

11-07-2023, 06:12 PM

Hey, I'm trying to change my mainboard and just finished taking it apart about two weeks ago. I'm checking if I can still use the thermal paste or if I need to swap it out. I have an unopened pack of Kryonaut thermal paste lying nearby, but I don't want to throw it away if it's still usable. The paste currently on the board is the one that NZXT applied before.

theTomBomb2

11-07-2023, 06:12 PM #1

muzuku
Junior Member

11-11-2023, 08:39 PM

Usually I avoid reapplying the heat paste since it's impossible to fully eliminate the tiny spaces inside it.

muzuku

11-11-2023, 08:39 PM #2

Usually I avoid reapplying the heat paste since it's impossible to fully eliminate the tiny spaces inside it.

Sebluigi
Senior Member

727

11-13-2023, 06:40 PM

Each time you open a cooler, you need to swap the paste. Make sure to clean both the cooler and the CPU for optimal temperatures.

Sebluigi

11-13-2023, 06:40 PM #3

Each time you open a cooler, you need to swap the paste. Make sure to clean both the cooler and the CPU for optimal temperatures.

Creeperman3
Senior Member

454

11-13-2023, 08:01 PM

You can likely apply the new paste without needing perfect cleanliness. Just make sure the area is free from any loose debris. It should work as long as the surface is mostly dry and free of visible residue.

Creeperman3

11-13-2023, 08:01 PM #4