Thermal paste

[TexasIndian]

Another YouTube 'tech channel' advising to remove/clean factory paste from

new desktops before initial boot-up and replacing with "much better product

than HP slaps on".  Several brands were mentioned and reviewed.

How valid or necessary or recommended is this practice.

[NonSequitur777 · Accepted solution]

@TexasIndian,

Always good to hear from you!

The reason -at least as I interpret it, is the assumption-of-neglect as favored by some self-proclaimed thermal paste nerds "experts".  Personally, I am not that cynical -yet.

Look, if you are comfortable cleaning out and applying (a quality) thermal paste on your brand-new processor and do the same with your brand-new graphics card, that is fine -knock yourself out.

But is it necessary/essential to do this on a brand-new desktop?

Most likely not.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[DGroves]

also,............ many so called thermal paste experts fail to understand that the thermal paste used by OEM's such as HP are naturally rather dense/dry compared to aftermarket consumer pastes

due to this i constantly see people stating that the factory paste is old and dried out and needs replacement when in reality it's fine

oem's prefer the thicker paste as it's easer to apply via automated machinery and is cost effective in regards to it's thermal performance

replacing the factory paste with aftermarket can lower tempts a few degrees but unless you are overclocking a cpu there not really a noticeable benefit to doing this

most quality retail or OEM thermal pastes are good for 3-5 years

[TexasIndian]

My natural instinct is HP would use adequate amount/quality of thermal paste

to last/serve it's products....at the absolute least, as long as HP Warranty lasts.

1. Should I assume definitely added?  Plan to replace soon AFTER warranty expires?

2. Does the "3-5 years" begin at 'build date'?  Or whenever unit is first booted-up?

3. Guess the easier question is WHEN or WHAT to look for as a signifier you need

     new/replacement thermal paste??  (ie: hear metal screeching, get new brakes)

Stupid YouTube!!  This wasn't even part of my 'new desktop shopping' research,

but was obviously tagged and got hit with several "since interested in....you need..."

[NonSequitur777]

@TexasIndian,

1.) No. You should be fine at least 3~5 years as @DGroves suggested.

2.) Whenever the unit is first booted up.

3.) When your CPU or discrete GPU heats up to ~ 80° C or beyond.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[TexasIndian]

a tad **bleep**-retentive; tell people "if I'd stayed in the womb 10 more minutes, I'd be OCD"

Very much appreciate your assistance and ESPECIALLY such succinct specific answers!!

[TexasIndian]

btw DGroves & 'old pal' Non-Sequitur777:

Fell free to view/comment/advise/etc my post in "Desktop Operating Systems & Recovery."

My revision to query is my daughter now wants to keep it so toddler grandkids can use it

(every one else in my family use laptops/Chromebooks/phone) so it's been deemed my

12+ year old desktop is barely viable...resolved to playing Roblox & Sponge Bob games.

Obviously keeping it now and basic stuff;  NOT totally destroying 1.5tb HDD.  But how??