How long does thermal paste last for?

ennogs · 11 Dec 2012 at 15:48

I am about to change my motherboard. My PC was built close on 2 years ago. I bought the thermal paste that I currently have when the PC was built. Should I buy new paste or use the 2 year old tube? The paste is Artic Silver 5.

Gav_881 · 11 Dec 2012 at 16:14

I've used old paste a few times with no ill effects, give it a shot and if your temps go high buy some new stuff.

Rooster212 · 11 Dec 2012 at 16:32

Using any thermal paste will be better than no thermal paste, you can only try

between my friends we have some 4-5 yr old paste and it works fine

ennogs · 12 Dec 2012 at 22:27

Thanks

setter · 12 Dec 2012 at 22:56

My second rigs cpu was done with a tube of 5 year old arctic ceramique. No problems with high temps on it.

LizardKing · 12 Dec 2012 at 23:33

I've only just run out of Artic Silver 1 :eek:

I'm yet to see a meltdown!

Philtor · 13 Dec 2012 at 00:19

Still using a tube of MX-2 which must be 2 years old or more and working a treat as always