do Heatpipes loose efficiency with time?

Dimension · 10 Jan 2009 at 14:25

I got a scythe Ninja heatsink in 2005, I used it on a athlon64, and on my E6600.
I am sure that when I first used it on the e6600 (aug2006) it was idling around 28 - 30. But I was looking at the cpu temps this morning at they are at 46 at idle and 69 when using the intel TAT.
I have the same 2 120mm fans in push pull config on the heatsink.

The E6600 is running at 3Ghz with 1.375V in an Antec P180 case
All the fans are clean and working, the inputs all have dust guards.

I have not removed the heatsink since it was installed it in 2006, so could the heatpipes be loosing their efficiency with old age?

kerrgreg · 10 Jan 2009 at 14:31

have you tried reseating the heatsink.

i think themal paste loses its efficently over time

Gone2mars · 10 Jan 2009 at 14:35

kerrgreg said:
have you tried reseating the heatsink

+1

Dimension · 11 Jan 2009 at 10:39

I’m going to buy some new AS5 as I’ve noticed that mine was bought in 2003. according to their website the chemicals might have separated

Justintime · 11 Jan 2009 at 16:02

Even with dust guards etc.. have you checked the fins on the heatsink?

Infekted · 11 Jan 2009 at 18:26

I always have the same problem with losing efficiency of cooling over time, for me it's always down to dust. Have you tried examing your heat sink and seeing if it is clogged up with dust?

Xplo · 11 Jan 2009 at 18:39

kerrgreg said:
i think themal paste loses its efficently over time

+1 for Thermal paste, reseat with fresh paste and you will be right back down to 30 idle straight away