Do you change the thermal paste on your laptop every time you take it in for service or cleaning. In this article, we’ll look at the factors that influence how long to wait between changing out your thermal paste and what kind of results can be expected
Thermal paste (or TIM) is a substance that is applied between the heat sink and processor of a computer in order to achieve better heat conduction. The paste helps to fill in any microscopic gaps between the two surfaces and allows for more efficient heat transfer. Processor cores can reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius), so it’s a pretty important part of any computer.
Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS)
The metal “lid” of the CPU. This serves as a heat sink designed to distribute heat from the processor itself to a CPU cooler, as well as provide protection to the processor inside. This is the part of the CPU that is still exposed after being installed in a motherboard, and is the surface to which you apply thermal paste.
Base-Plate
The metal base of an air-cooler that attaches to the IHS of the CPU. This design allows the transfer of heat through convection to the fins of the heat sink, where it can then be redistributed with a fan.
Thermal Paste
A silvery-gray substance that you apply to a processor before installing a cooling solution. It allows for an efficient transfer of heat from the IHS of the processor to the base plate or water block of the CPU cooler that is designed to dissipate that heat.
Types:
The two most common materials used for thermal paste are silicon-based and ceramic-based compounds. Silicon-based thermal pastes typically do not need to be reapplied, as they can last up to ten years, while ceramic-based pastes only have a lifespan of about one year – but many users report that it’s relatively easy to apply more paste during routine maintenance over the course of that year.
you change your laptop’s thermal paste will also depend on the type of paste that you’re using. Silicon-based pastes are more durable and may last longer than ceramic-based pastes, but both will eventually need to be replaced.
As far as how often should you change your laptop thermal paste, there really for your technician to find in stock . I’d recommend checking online with some of the major distributors to try and find a local supplier, if possible. If all else fails, go ahead and replace it though – it’s not going to hurt anything, especially since most laptops are covered under warranty for two years or more.
If you do decide to replace your laptop’s thermal paste yourself, there are several factors that will influence how often you should do so. These include: use (and abuse), processing power, operating environment, ambient temperature, age of paste. For example, if you use your laptop in dusty conditions or in extreme weather conditions (such as very cold or hot temperatures), then you’ll probably need to change out your thermal paste fairly regularly. But even putting in 16 hours a day at a desk in a moderate environment, thermal paste can last up to two years before needing to be replaced.
In general, it’s a good idea to replace your laptop’s thermal paste every year or so – just to be safe. But if you don’t think that it’s necessary, then go ahead and wait until there are obvious signs that it needs to be done. And always remember to consult your user manual for specific instructions on how and when to replace the thermal paste on your particular model of laptop.
