Reapply thermal paste?

[Lemonjello]

I had already applied the paste and partially attached the hsf but then I had to remove it again; I'm thinking I should reapply it due to air bubbles or whatever, but it was a real bitch getting the pre revision AC Freezer Pro 7 on my Asrock P67.
Will it make a significant difference if I leave it as-is?

Im running 33-34C stock CPU speed at idle but I want to OC soon.

Thanks

 

[Gorilla]

If you removed the heat sink, clean it up and reapply paste before attaching the heat sink again. I don't know exactly how big of a difference you would see temperature wise but my gut feeling is that you should definitely reapply it.

 

[Lemonjello]

All right, thanks.

 

[mhenley]

Always better to be safe than sorry. If you're going to OC, I'd recommend upgrading to a more robust cooler. AC FP7 was a nice cooler back in the day, but there have been many technological advances in cooling technology since then; not just with cooling, but mounting as well.

 

[Tsumi]

I've remounted my waterblock several times without changing the thermal paste, and I've seen at most a 4 degree difference at load, and most of the time it is less. I blame that on the hotter weather though.

 

[vivithemage]

I've remounted my waterblock several times without changing the thermal paste, and I've seen at most a 4 degree difference at load, and most of the time it is less. I blame that on the hotter weather though.

I'd still clean it and re-apply though ... that just feels dirty, like re using a condom.