Should I reseat my CPU?

[fachmannn]

I have a brand new CPU that had nice thermal paste pre-included. The problem is I have no more AS5. I'm getting my new Motherboard monday and I'm wondering if I should have to re-apply thermal paste if my CPU has only been in the current motherboard for 3-4 months. I also might add that it runs at 38c idle and 45c load. My room tempature averages around 60F.

 

[RyanF]

if you're getting a new motherboard and transferring a cpu from the old one, then yes, you have to re-apply thermal paste. I'm not an expert with AMD's and temperatures, but those don't seem too bad.

 

[fachmannn]

Hmm, so I'm screwed.. I have no thermal paste and I've never had to reseat with AS5 before? I just heard you had to and wanted to know the risks, because I've never had to before, plus I'm still running low temps. So I doubt I will need more unless I see higher tempatures.

 

[ch33zw1z]

You don't "have" to reapply the thermal paste. Be careful while doing the swap as to not smudge or get dust in the thermal paste that's on both the HSF and CPU. It will be fine, pick up some more AS5 and reapply later..

 

[daveybrat]

Originally posted by: ch33zw1z
You don't "have" to reapply the thermal paste. Be careful while doing the swap as to not smudge or get dust in the thermal paste that's on both the HSF and CPU. It will be fine, pick up some more AS5 and reapply later..

Depends on what the current grease looks like when you take off the heatsink. If it's still somewhat wet it should be fine until you can regrease it later. If it's all dried up when you take it off then you really should clean it and regrease it first.

 

[corkyg]

Agree - as long as the residue is clean and spreadable, it should be OK. Many users apply too much anyway, so make sure it is spread nice and thin and evenly.

 

[cvstrat]

I second that opinion. You will be ok. It's not uncommon to have gobs of that stuff on the heatsink anyway. As long as it looks relatively good I say go for it. Just watch the temps and make sure it doesn't get too hot. If you are really worried go ahead and order more paste and reapply when it comes in.