Usable Life on AS5?

[Actuary]

Hey Guys,

I just upgrading my computer to a Conroe 6400 cooled with a Zalman CNPS7700-CU, Giga p965-ds3, and 2gb gskill ddr2 800. I applied the AS5, but it seemed thicker and harder to spread than I remember(it's been a long time since I've needed to apply AS5, about a year and a half.) Is there a certain point where you should order new AS5 instead of using old stuff?

I ask because I overclocked my 6400 to 3.0 gHz(400 FSB was giving me problems, but I didn't have time to play around with it or update the BIOS) at 1.3375v in Bios, less in CPU-Z of course. Anyway, temps seemed to idle at the low 40s and under load with TAT or orthos temps(according to TAT) were about 52 or 53 after 5-10 mins. Speedfan reported the CPU at 30.

I know the temps will drop a bit after the "break in", but they still seem a tad high.

1. Is it possible I should've ordered and used new AS5?
2. Why are speedfan's numbers so different?
3. Do the temps seem in range given voltage/overclock/cooler? The room is probably about 68-72F.

 

[NordicRX8]

I applied the AS5, but it seemed thicker and harder to spread than I remember(it's been a long time since I've needed to apply AS5, about a year and a half.) Is there a certain point where you should order new AS5 instead of using old stuff?

AS will seperate over time... which is why they recommend you store it in your fridge.
Depending on how you stored it, you may have the thicker stuff near the dispensing end, or the clear liquid... in either case, the "grey" stuff will be thicker. No need to buy more, just squeeze all of the AS out into the corner of a plastic baggie, and then knead to mix well. Cut a tiny bit off the corner to dispense. When done, place baggie into another baggie and place in the fridge. When you need to use it again, make sure to mix well before using.