how long does thermo paste last?

dr_shoe · 15 Dec 2006 at 13:20

I'm gonna build a new pc soon, and yesterday i realised I have a half used tube of AC5 from the rig i built 4 years ago, will this still be ok? I don't see any reason why not but thought i should double check

IceShock · 15 Dec 2006 at 13:37

i have no idea to be honest. but i used a 1 year old tube of it and it seems to be fine. not sure about 4 years tho,

young lad · 15 Dec 2006 at 15:59

I have had the same pc for 2 years now never changed the paste still fine mate.

R B Customs · 15 Dec 2006 at 16:19

ive used the same tube for years too, i just screw a small self tapping screw into the end of the syringe to seal it.
spotty dog.

WJA96 · 15 Dec 2006 at 16:38

dr_shoe said:
I'm gonna build a new pc soon, and yesterday i realised I have a half used tube of AC5 from the rig i built 4 years ago, will this still be ok? I don't see any reason why not but thought i should double check

For the sake of £5 I'd buy some new stuff. What's *** point in getting it all assembled and then you get poor temperatures and you end up having to take it to bits again.

Unless you're going to use a stock cooler, or an Arctic Freezer 7 Pro (both already come with decent thermal compound) I'd get some new AS5.

Snapshot · 15 Dec 2006 at 17:47

I've still got some AS2 which seems perfectly usable. As long as it comes out of the syringe and spreads as it should, there's no reason not to use it IMHO. As AS5 is easier to apply on Intel dual-core CPUs I keep the AS2 for northbridge & lowish power VGA card heatsinks.