apply thermal paste once only?

[helprent]

or periodically?

 

[hoven00]

IMO, I don't see the need to replace it too often, probably like..every 12-18 months for me? Just get a quality thermal paste and you shouldn't worry too much.

 

[jtjt00]

That depends on the type of thermal paste. Some do dried up and harden.
Usually, I do clean off and re-apply during yearly cleaning the CPU HSF.

 

[dinosau4]

donnit to tamper around too much, just invest in a good one can last more than 12 months, plus if you using the intel heatsink the push pin spoil very fast if u keep plug unplug.