Thermal paste breakdown and other issues

[twilyth]

I did a search on thermal paste breakdown and didn't find anything, so I'd like to ask: Does anyone know if thermal paste breaks down over time? I've been talking with someone (crunches for WCG) who has a P4 3.6ghz system from Alienware and recently has experienced an increase in temps to around 70c degrees under load. They've cleaned out the fan/heat sink and checked that fan is working properly. I"ve run out of ideas as to a possible cause. I don't know how old the system is but I'm assuming it's at least a couple years. I know P4's generate a lot of heat so I thought there might be some chance that whatever paste was originally used might be breaking down. Is that plausible? If not, any ideas what other factors could contribute to the rise? Ambients are around 75F degrees. There is one case fan.

Thanks for your help.

[ChaosMinionX]

I did a search on thermal paste breakdown and didn't find anything, so I'd like to ask: Does anyone know if thermal paste breaks down over time? I've been talking with someone (crunches for WCG) who has a P4 3.6ghz system from Alienware and recently has experienced an increase in temps to around 70c degrees under load. They've cleaned out the fan/heat sink and checked that fan is working properly. I"ve run out of ideas as to a possible cause. I don't know how old the system is but I'm assuming it's at least a couple years. I know P4's generate a lot of heat so I thought there might be some chance that whatever paste was originally used might be breaking down. Is that plausible? If not, any ideas what other factors could contribute to the rise? Ambients are around 75F degrees. There is one case fan.

Thanks for your help.

Cheaper thermal pastes will breakdown eventually, but usually starts at like 3 years if I am not mistaken, it wouldnt hurt for long applications of it to refresh thermal paste every couple of years. I have never personally had this happen, because I change systems 4-5x a year. Also check for dust accumulation, it very well might be your problem.

[[cTx] Nooc]

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=135359

^^ perhaps this could be of some help.

[The Legend]

I'd be curious to see if the components break down over time as well. Logically it makes sense, but temperature must play a role in the breakdown one would think.