Why Thermal Paste Wears Out
Thermal paste dries out and loses effectiveness after two to four years, even in a PC that has never been opened. As it degrades, heat can no longer transfer efficiently from your CPU and GPU to the cooler.
The result: higher temperatures, louder fans, thermal throttling, lower frame rates, and in some cases random shutdowns during intense gaming sessions.
Standard Thermal Paste or Liquid Metal?
Premium Thermal Paste
Non-conductive and completely safe for every build. A great everyday performance restore for most gaming PCs, and the right choice for most systems.
Liquid Metal
An electrically conductive alloy with far higher thermal conductivity than paste. Best for high-end CPUs and GPUs pushing real thermal limits. It requires careful masking and an experienced hand, since it can damage components if it spreads onto the board — which is exactly why we handle the application ourselves.
What’s Included in a Gaming PC Overhaul
- Full teardown and interior deep clean — dust and debris removed from fans, heatsinks, and filters
- CPU cooler removed and old, dried thermal paste fully cleaned off
- Fresh premium thermal paste or liquid metal applied, your choice
- GPU repaste available on request — many modern graphics cards benefit significantly
- Fan inspection, lubrication, or replacement if worn or noisy
- Cable management cleanup for better airflow
- Before-and-after temperature testing under load
Signs You Need a Repaste or Overhaul
- Higher idle or load temperatures than when the PC was new
- Fans running louder or more often than they used to
- Thermal throttling or dropping frame rates during long gaming sessions
- Random shutdowns or restarts during intense games
- It has been two or more years since the last repaste or cleaning
FAQs
How often should thermal paste be replaced?
Every 2 to 4 years for most gaming PCs, or sooner if you notice higher temperatures, louder fans, or dropping frame rates during extended sessions.
Is liquid metal safe for my PC?
Yes, when applied correctly. It is electrically conductive, so it must be masked carefully around the die and kept away from the motherboard. We handle the full application process to avoid any risk to your components.
How long does a gaming PC overhaul take?
Most overhauls, including a full teardown, cleaning, and repaste, are completed same-day or next-day.
Will this actually improve my FPS?
A repaste on its own lowers temperatures and reduces thermal throttling, which can noticeably improve sustained frame rates during long gaming sessions, especially on systems that have never been cleaned or repasted before.
Do you work on both desktop and laptop gaming systems?
Yes. We repaste and overhaul both custom desktop gaming PCs and gaming laptops throughout Orange County.