Replace Heat Paste?

[Frog]

So, I read that that the Thermal Paste on the heatsinks/fans should be replaced every six months to a year. Is that just gamer overkill, or good advice to help avoid overheating issues?

[mk162]

I think this is only for gamer computers with built in coolers.  And it only really gets replaced if you need to remove the cooler...kinda like a head gasket, you'll need to redo it if you take it apart.

[Doug S]

For every pc we have, I bought the self contained water cooled cooler.  I've never replaced the thermal paste and haven't had problems but you would if you took it apart.

[mooseman]

I am not a computer guy by any stretch but I believe I learned somewhere that the paste is used simply to create an efficient thermal bridge between the components it is applied to. Unless disturbed again, as I understand it , there is no need to pay any attention to it.

one of many info sources on the topic basically way more info than necessary
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermal-paste-comparison,5108-3.html