How often should the thermal conductive silicone pad for computer graphics cards be replaced?

Is it necessary to replace the thermal conductive silicone pad for a computer graphics card?  

For ordinary computers used solely for work and study, the thermal conductive silicone pad on the graphics card can generally work normally for more than 5 years, and there is no need to replace it in this case.

If the computer is used for professional gaming, regular maintenance is required. During maintenance, you can check the overall condition of the computer and its internal components. If the thermal conductive silicone pad on the graphics card shows signs of cracking, it is recommended to replace it. Additionally, placing the computer host in a dry and cool environment can effectively extend the service life of the thermal conductive silicone pad.  

Experienced engineers generally recommend replacing the thermal conductive silicone pad every five years. When replacing it, you should not simply remove the old pad and directly apply a new one. The correct procedure is to remove the old thermal conductive silicone pad, clean the graphics card itself to ensure the bonding interface is clean and dry, and then apply the new thermal conductive silicone pad.