When Should I Replace Thermal Paste and What Fan Speed Settings Work Best?
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TechieNinja42
Hey everyone! I built my PC with an i5-12400f and an RX 6600 last October, and I'm considering whether I should replace my thermal paste. Is it necessary? I'm seeing temps around 45°C while playing CS2 and about 55°C on Dead by Daylight. Additionally, what fan speed recommendations do you have for my CPU and GPU? Thanks!
Answers
Your temps are pretty solid, so there's really no rush to change the thermal paste. Generally, you'd want to replace it when the temps hit around 80°C or so. For fan speeds, just play around with some fan control software to find what feels right for you. I keep mine low until around 60-65°C, then let them ramp up when needed.
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Yeah, your temps are fine. No need to fix something that's not broken! Just keep monitoring them, and if they start climbing too high, then consider reapplying the paste.
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Honestly, I wouldn't bother with replacing the thermal paste for at least another 5 years unless you notice your temps getting unusually high. As for fan speeds, it's really personal preference. I set mine to a low fixed RPM when my PC is cool and ramp them up when I'm pushing the system hard. Keep an eye on your noise levels too!
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TechieNinja42: Thanks for the reassurance! I'll keep monitoring.