How often do I need to replace AS3

[mrman3k]

I heard that you need to reapply AS3 every few months. My proc temps havent changed, but I do not want any proc damage and therefore want to know how often I need to reapply it.

 

[Davegod]

it'd be some VERY poor goop if you had to reapply it every few months. A quality goop should last for years, though I guess it depends on ho hard it's being worked and wether you can tolerate a 1C rise etc etc. Until your temps go above what you'd like, leave it, its fine. CPU will only be "damaged" by the heat resulting from goop drying out, which happens v slowly anyway, so aslong as you check temps once every couple of months....

 

[CubicZirconia]

Not very often at all. Don't worry about it unless your cpu temps skyrocket for no other obvious reason.

 

[T2T III]

The older Zinc-based compound would dry up after a month or so - requiring you to re-apply a fresh layer. However, Arctic Silver should not experience these issues. I've had mine in place for a year and just removed the heatsink a few days ago. The A.S. compound was still pliable - and handn't dried out in any way.

 

[snik]

Arctic Silver 3 is very high quality thermal compound. You should not have to change it during your pc's lifetime.

 

[mrman3k]

Thanks. That is what I thought. The temps have not changed plus once the 2600+ comes down in price I will get one of those with an MCX462+.

 

[kyoshozx]

Another factor that i've noticed it depends on your fan. If you have a high speed fan that is loud, the vibrations somehow tends to squeeze out the thermal paste.