In this instance should I change thermal grease?

ultrablue14 · 25 Jul 2013 at 10:46

Hello, I'm in the process of building my first computer.

I installed my i5 3570k and stock cooler (plan to overclock in 6 months), but then I realised it would be better if I rotated the cooler round 180 degrees for cable management, so without ever being on I removed the cooler and changed it round. Is it necessary to replace thermal grease even though it has never run because someone said you should with every removal?
Thanks guys

jonnyp1993 · 25 Jul 2013 at 11:06

I would recommend changing it and cleaning it as it wont have a even spread across the top of cpu.

ultrablue14 · 25 Jul 2013 at 11:15

Okay thanks if I didn't and I left it the way it is would it be okay though as I plan to replace the cooler soon anyway?

casual_eze · 25 Jul 2013 at 11:36

probably not, by removing the cooler and putting it back, your grease wont be spread evenly and you will also introduce lots of air bubbles between the IHS and cooler which means you will have a hot a running chip.
If its pretty bad, your chip could overheat. Why take the risk, just clean it and re-apply it, you dont have to buy expensive grease cleaning fluid, there are household alternatives (do your own research but i think people have mentioned things like nail varnish remover?) that work just as well. Just be careful when cleaning so you dont soak the motherboard.

Doomedspeed · 25 Jul 2013 at 11:44

It won't make your CPU die, it'll probably just increase your temps.

Id give it try a try, see what temps your getting at idle and under load. If it's below 70C your fine.

But if you were going to keep it that way for a while, id replace the paste.

jonnyp1993 · 25 Jul 2013 at 11:45

Make sure you let it dry for about 5 mins before placing new paste on or it won't stick it just slides about lol
Been there done it