Need to reapply thermal paste?

[Wolfram]

really a two part question. First, I applied AS3 to a P4 with retail heatsink and while placing the heatsink into the bracket on the motherboard, I was off by about 1/4 inch. i had to pick it up a little and move it over a bit to get it to fit into the bracket all the way. So, do I need to reapply the AS3, or can I let it ride as is? Second part: does AS3 need to be reapplied at any given interval? Thanks!

 

[Geoffrey]

If I were you, I'd reapply the thermal paste...better to spend the couple dollars on the new paste than the couple hundred dollars on a new processor. But if it doesn't seem like a big deal, I don't think anything will happen...I just think that it's better to be safe then sorry.

 

[sohcrates]

Yeah, i'd re-apply...as was said, it's good practice and better safe than sorry. just wipe it off, clean with alcohol, and put a new thin layer on.

As far as re-applying, i don't think you have to worry about that any time soon.

 

[swifty3]

get your comp going, and see what your temps look like. if they r high, reapply the as3. if not, your golden. besides, it's hard to get the h/s PERFECTLY aligned when u install it. i felt mine slip around just a bit, but my temps seem normal. besides, u always risk jacking your mobo by re installing the h/s. those damn things always make me nervous!

 

[Wolfram]

Thanks for the info.....figured it would be safest to reapply, but what a pain. I need to find a better way to do it. Razor blade picks most of it up and with the brackets for the HS, makes it difficult to get to it. Thanks.