i7-8700k Thermal Paste

[dadu_csusag]

     Hi All,

     I am writing to you regarding my recent concern. I bought a prebuilt PC in the summer of 2018, and since then, I have not replaced the CPU's thermal paste. One of my work colleagues advised me to replace/renew the thermal paste twice yearly.

     I searched the internet for advice regarding the most efficient thermal paste in the market for my CPU - i7 8700k - and the ideas and suggestions are various and confusing. Therefore, I decided to reach out to the experts.

     I have never had any hardware or software issues. I recently upgraded my GPU from GTX 1080 to RTX 4060 after purchasing a new screen (34" MSI Optix MAG342CQR Curved Monitor), which overcharged my 1080 due to the screen's increased resolution.

     At the end of my writing, I would appreciate any advice regarding the most suitable and recommended thermal paste for my CPU and the frequency of replacement/renewal.

     I ask for the same advice for my RTX4060 (thermal paste and replacing frequency), purchased on January 13th, 2024.

     Thank you kindly for taking the time to read my letter and your answer.

[KrissyG]

MX-4 lasts apparently at least 8years, that is what they claim. 
I can confirm at least 5~6years, but on a PC that has not been used too often.

 

I used MX4 between like 2014 and 2020 and i never had problems with it.
Swapping it twice a year is not really necessairy, unless the CPU runs always hot due to a small heatsink. Otherwise i would leave it for like 2years at least.and if it did last in your PC for 6years too, then keep the interval at 6years.


Since 2020 i use NT-H2, for no practical reason, it's just i run out of MX-4 and NT-H2 seems slightly easier to spread and to remove.

Due to various reasons i never had NT-HT longer than few months on the CPU, so can't tell how is it longevity.

If you search online, you will find out that most ppl use MX-4.
I would not suggest expensive thermal paste - like the Kryonout, bcoz just like some ppl stated. i made the same expirience that its performance dropped after few days, some ppl claim it drops after months.

Generally on the first day i did not see any difference between MX-4, NT-HT or Kyonout, except the price on the last one is wayyyy bigger. Kryonout would be good for ppl who swap CPUs very often, as it's very easy to rmove and that it's biggest advantage if not the only one.