Do I need new thermal paste?

[golcarfel]

Hey guys, so I bough a new CPU and cooler combo that came with a thermal pad on the cooler. I set it up in my new motherboard but unfortunately, the new mobo didn't post anything so I had to RMA it. I then had to put the cpu and cooler back in its box with the thermal paste spread in both the cpu and the cooler. Now my question is, do I need to replace the paste or is the original one still good. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[Mark56]

As long as it does not dry out and you get to fit the two surfaces back together fairly soon it should be OK. A new tube of Arctic silver won't cost much if it does dry out. Just make sure you clean off all the old paste with rubbing alcohol if it has dried on.

 

[golcarfel]

Thanks!

Thanks for the info!! =D

 

[Mizzou]

I would recommend removing the existing thermal paste from both your processor and cooler. Clean both surfaces thoroughly and reapply new compound, I've had good luck with Tuniq. This is more likely to result in a uniform application of thermal compound which is essential to good cooling.