How long does the thermal paste behind my CPU last?
I think that thermal paste typically lasts six months to one year. As it deteriorates, heat can’t flow as easily from the CPU to your computer’s cooling fan and it will get hotter, overheat quicker and produce noise in the form of coil whining. Give your thermal paste a quick squeeze with your fingers if you’re not sure it needs replacing for guidance on how hard to press. If it doesn’t move at all, or flakes start falling off when you apply pressure then it’s time for a new application of thermal paste .
If your old thermal paste had already started bubbling or dust was collecting in neat lines around the edges then that is another signal that there isn’t enough interfacial surface or pressure between the two metals.
