Chosen Solution
If I’m replacing the fan on the Nintendo Switch (this guide, Nintendo Switch Fan Replacement) do I need to clean off/reapply any thermal paste? In the guide it looks like thermal paste might be exposed when the heatsink is lifted, so I was wanted to figure that out before I got supplies. My switch fan makes a growling noise when it turns on.
Thermal paste replacement is always a good practice. The factory ones sometimes doesn’t keep any of its properties, and you should at least consider to reapply it. Also - when you detach those cooler element the air bubbles create on edges of thermal paste and it goes wrong from this point. If you’ll move heat sink then reapply the thermal.
