Does Thermal Paste "stop working"?

w1llyg · 30 Dec 2011 at 11:48

Hi guys,

Ive had my PC for two years now, and recently I have noticed my PC is outputting a lot of heat. I occasionally I clean my case out of dust which I have done today. I have seen the temps drop dwn 5 degree but its still not as cool as it was two years ago.

2 yrs ago.
~33 degrees idle, ~42 load.

NOW
39 degrees idle, 50 load. Prime 20mins.

I dont understand why the temperatures have risen. Does thermal paste perish over time?

I want to get it as cool as possilble before I start OCing. My room is normal temp.

This is the set up of my PC. Any cooling suggestions appreciated.

dwskillz · 30 Dec 2011 at 11:52

if the thermal paste becomes dry it will need changing

Did u unscrew the radiator and clean out the fins?

w1llyg · 30 Dec 2011 at 11:55

Yup, I took the radiator off and used the hoover to suck whatever dust was in there.
Knocked a couple of degrees off idle but nothing on load.

arknor · 30 Dec 2011 at 12:19

in my experience it doesnt need reapplying

Mick-1965 · 30 Dec 2011 at 18:51

Arctic silver used to be a sod for it, little as 9 months Ive known it to start going bad.
Cant say for other makes though as I use all sorts nowadays

cammy5477 · 30 Dec 2011 at 19:35

get some ic diamond
that will sort you right out

koooowweeee · 30 Dec 2011 at 19:48

dwskillz said:
if the thermal paste becomes dry it will need changing

Did u unscrew the radiator and clean out the fins?

this

temps still look good though.

Aod · 30 Dec 2011 at 19:53

if you're applying enough thermal paste for it to be "wet" in the first place you're using too much.

WJA96 · 31 Dec 2011 at 09:32

My understanding is that the grease component of thermal grease is just a carrier for the heat-conductive particles in it. Therefore, no, it doesn't dry out.

If your system has been running 2 years you may want to strip the loop completely and check inside the CPU cooler for gunge. I've seen quite a few gunged up coolers over the years.

Sorry - just noticed you have a sealed unit cooler. In which case, replace the cooler.

Trisdov · 31 Dec 2011 at 18:54

In my personal experience of overclocking and watching temps slowly rise, i have noted the following.

1, make sure your fans havent degraded stunting airflow.
2, clean the fins of both the fans and heatsink with solution.
3, Dust proof your case.

before most you noggins have a pop at using solution heres why....

i have noticed that over time even though you regularly hoover/clean/brush the fins on the heatsink/radiator, it does build up a slight "hairy" coating on the metal fins thus not letting the air truly touch the metal fins on the unit, by cleaning with water/soap this removes this "film" that builds up and lets the air touch the fins again, this will also allow you to remove any dust that has gathered under that Cooler block on the CPU as some dust gathers there which im sure will raise temps.

clean it by removing it and washing it thouroughly then ensuring its 100% dry before re-inserting into your rig using new paste.

also dust proof the case - you have water cooling which lessens the need for massive case airflow, try to think about how you can dust proof the case, which way the fans blow etc etc can you fit dust grills? ......and try to optimise your system and keep dust down.

your cooler draws air into the case which is a massive dust generator especially when on full pelt......sort dust and you will most likley sort gradual temp rises.

Dave