Does Thermal Paste expire?

D

Direfox

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Oct 24, 2004
Messages
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I have been wondering... I bought some AC5 two years ago. Is there a shelf life on it or does it pretty much last forever?
 
Stuff in the tube should be fine but anything allowed space to evaporate or that has been heated lots (like on a cpu) will expire over time
It becomes a tightly packed powder if left long enough.

I use paste that I bought 5 years ago with no issue.
 
As always, YMMV, and you should refer the the manufacturer for accurate information.

But, at least with AS5, it's recommended to store it tip-down and that will help it keep longer. Some people even recommend refrigerating (not freezing) it.
 
I've got a couple of 4-5 year old tubes that are still good. They hold up fine at room temperature.
 
Thanks guys! I am going to be putting a new heatsink on so I guess I can use my old (tightly sealed) AS5.
 
If you're putting on a new heatsink, put on new thermal paste

Don't reuse old ones - it won't be even anymore and if the heatsink is off already, there is no reason not to refresh it!
 
ZerazaX said:
If you're putting on a new heatsink, put on new thermal paste

Don't reuse old ones - it won't be even anymore and if the heatsink is off already, there is no reason not to refresh it!
Click to expand...

Really depends on what kind you have.
I dont think anyone uses a whole tube all at once, so I'd assume their designed so they dont seperate easily.
 
ZerazaX said:
If you're putting on a new heatsink, put on new thermal paste

Don't reuse old ones - it won't be even anymore and if the heatsink is off already, there is no reason not to refresh it!
Click to expand...
I don't think he's reusing the thermal paste that's already on the heatsink. He is reapplying, but using a relatively old tube.
 
The thermal goo should be fine for a while, but really if I'm building a new system every couple of years, might as well just spend $10 or whatever to get a new tube and not worry about it. Shrug. It's only money. :)
 
bitgod said:
The thermal goo should be fine for a while, but really if I'm building a new system every couple of years, might as well just spend $10 or whatever to get a new tube and not worry about it. Shrug. It's only money. :)
Click to expand...

And that's the best outlook :D

I bought some last time I built a PC, loaned it to a friend right after that and haven't seen it since. Not like I really have use for it anyway.
 
i recently found a tube on AS5 in a box i had ordered about 14 months ago. the first little bit was a little liquidy but most of the tube is fine, im using it now. it keeps longer in the refrigerator, tip down, if you dont use it for a year or two...
 
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