Is Thermal Paste Necessary for Graphics Cards?

Hi everyone! I’ve been exploring PC building recently and encountered a common question: do graphics cards really require thermal paste? While it’s well known that thermal paste is essential for CPUs to keep them cool, the situation with GPUs seems to generate some debate among gamers and builders.

From what I’ve learned, most graphics cards come with thermal paste already applied, so there’s generally no need to worry about it unless you’re performing significant maintenance or upgrades. However, if you’re disassembling your GPU for cleaning or replacing thermal pads, it’s a good idea to reapply thermal paste to ensure optimal performance. Some gamers even suggest that doing this can enhance performance in demanding games.

Have any of you had experience reapplying thermal paste on your graphics card? What difference did you notice in temperatures or performance? How often do you think it’s a good idea to check or refresh the thermal paste? I’d love to hear your thoughts!