How long does Arctic Silver last?

manveruppd · 19 Aug 2007 at 20:20

Got a tube of the stuff from about 3-4 years ago. Would it be allright if I used it next time I need to reseat my heatsink or should I buy a new tube? Does it "go off"?

I heard the silver particles sink to the bottom of the tube: would this compromise its effectiveness or will shaking the tube around a bit mix them up again and make it as good as new?

Cob · 19 Aug 2007 at 20:26

AC claim it hasn't got a shelf life, but it should be stored tip-down. You may have to squeeze out some crap before you get to the good stuff.

Rroff · 19 Aug 2007 at 21:15

Shaking the tube wouldn't do much due to the viscosity of the material the silver particles are contained in - they sink very slowly through it over time... you'd have to leave it tip down for quite a few days to sort it...

manveruppd · 19 Aug 2007 at 22:43

I'd better dig it up out of my kit box and put it upside down somewhere then... :eek:

Does it help if it's stored in the fridge?

ih8modem · 20 Aug 2007 at 00:01

ah hmm cr.p I never realised it needed to be stored tip down. I normally have mine on its side (horizontal). Will this result in complete junk coming out or a mix of silver particles with the paste?