Thermal paste question

Wej · 4 Oct 2012 at 19:38

Found an old tube of thermal paste labelled 'AC' with URL www.arctic-cooling.com on the back that could be any age, literally. Use this stuff, use random white paste that came with cooler or splash out on more, given I'll only use it once.

How much difference does it make between types of thermal paste. Does the stuff 'degrade'?

j.col · 4 Oct 2012 at 19:51

what cooler have you?
i would judt use the paste that came with the cooler, if its a good brand.
not that much difference between the top brands.

also iirc, as long as its been in the tube it doesnt really degrade

Wej · 4 Oct 2012 at 19:55

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-018-XG

Paste is just in a clear polythene sachet.

BrianB · 4 Oct 2012 at 20:10

They all degrade over time after you install it. Some last longer than others. The paste will be fine that came with the cooler. I got 2 ancient tubes of AS5 I'll never use but I'm sure is fine.

PieEater · 4 Oct 2012 at 21:01

Squeeze out and discard the initial paste until it comes out smooth and a decent even consistancy - If correctly applied I doubt there will be much in it compared to a fresher sample.