Keeping our computer in good condition is crucial for prolonging its lifespan. One way to do this is by ensuring that it operates at a low temperature, which can improve its durability. One question that often arises is how frequently we should replace the thermal paste on our processor and what the correct procedure is for doing so.
In terms of the processor, it’s important to note that assembling it by parts does not affect the system warranty. However, it’s worth noting that the same cannot be said for the graphics card. If you remove the heatsink on the graphics card, it could void the two-year warranty. That said, if the warranty period has passed, you can safely perform a complete disassembly of the system without any issues.
There are different considerations to take into account.
The exact duration of how often we should change the thermal paste of our processor is uncertain and can vary depending on several factors such as the type of thermal paste used, environmental conditions, and usage of the system. Additionally, other factors such as the presence of pets or residing in a rural or windy area may affect the maintenance needs of the system.
Therefore, maintenance times can differ significantly based on individual circumstances. Typically, it is recommended to perform complete system maintenance annually, preferably during autumn or winter.
First of all, we are going to see how often we must clean the system according to different conditions:
- Furry animals: if we have dogs or cats (or other furry animals) it is recommended to clean the system every 4-6 months, approximately
- Rural or windy areas: usually the amount of dust is greater, so it is advisable to clean every 6 months, more or less
- Cities, in general: they are not usually that problematic and can be once a year
Ok, now let’s see how often we should change the thermal paste :
- Intensive use: when we use our computer, mainly for heavy tasks such as gaming, editing or similar, we must change the thermal paste every 12 months. This is because the thermal paste undergoes great thermal stress and this affects its proper functioning, so to speak.
- Low load: those who use their equipment for general tasks such as browsing, multimedia, work, should not have problems either. Without problems we can keep it between 16-24 months
- Hot or very hot areas: assumes that the base temperature is higher and the operating temperature will be higher than usual. It generates a loss of properties and, consequently, it will no longer do its job as well
- Cold areas: we can greatly lengthen the time between changes of thermal paste. We can leave, in this case at 16-24 months
How to change the thermal paste?
Now that we know how often to maintain our equipment and replace the thermal paste, let’s take a look at the process itself. Removing and replacing the thermal paste is a straightforward process, but it must be done correctly to ensure proper removal and application of the new paste.
To begin, we need to remove the heatsink from the processor. This can be done by simply unscrewing the screws that secure it to the motherboard. Once removed, the thermal paste on both the processor and the heatsink will be exposed.
To remove the thermal paste, there are a few recommended methods. One option is to use isopropyl alcohol and a piece of paper, such as toilet paper or napkins. Another option is to use specific wipes designed for this purpose, which can be purchased from various manufacturers.