How long can the metal part of a CPU air cooler last? I'm asking about the heatsink itself, not the fans, since those can be replaced separately.
Does a CPU heatsink ever need replacing?
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_g26!paperwicket.4
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Under normal use, the heatsink itself shouldn't wear out. The fins and sealed heat pipes can last for many years, likely longer than the PC they're installed in.
Physical damage is the main exception. If a heat pipe is punctured or the fins are badly mangled, cooling performance could suffer.
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The more likely reason to replace it is an upgrade. A future CPU socket might need mounting hardware that isn't available for your cooler, or the cooler might not have enough capacity for a hotter CPU. Neither means the old heatsink has worn out.
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The thermal paste is a separate maintenance item. It may need replacing after a few years, especially if temperatures have risen, but that doesn't mean you need a new heatsink. The fans can also wear out independently.
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q_64~drumnotch:
It's worth checking whether the cooler manufacturer offers a mounting kit before buying a replacement.