Arctic silver 2, still good?

[Riverhound777]

I have a tube of AS II that i've had for a good 6 years. I've used it on several installs with no issues and never thought much of it. Is this a bad idea? I know they now have AS 5, should I toss my old tube and buy a new one? How much of a difference is there?

 

[Frintin]

"Arctic Silver II
Made with 99.8% pure micronized silver.

78% to 82% silver content by weight.

Extended temperature limits: ? 40°C to >160°C

Formula ensures minimal viscosity change from 0C to 150C

Thermal conductivity: 8.4 W/m°K to 8.8 W/m°K (Hot Wire Method Per MIL-C-47113)

Thermal Resistance: 0.0028°C-in²/Watt (0.001 inch layer)

2 to 7 degrees centigrade lower CPU core temperatures than other thermal compounds.

Negligible electrical conductivity.

Arctic Silver 5
Made with 99.8% pure micronized silver.

88% silver or thermally conducive material content by weight.

Thermal Conductance:
>350,000W/m2 °C (0.001 inch layer)

Thermal Resistance:
<0.0045°C-in2/Watt (0.001 inch layer)

Average Particle Size:
<0.49 microns <0.000020 inch

Extended Temperature Limits:
Peak: ?50°C to >180°C Long-Term: ?50°C to 130°C

Performance:
3 to 12 degrees centigrade lower CPU full load core temperatures than standard thermal compounds or thermal pads when measured with a calibrated thermal diode imbedded in the CPU core."

Pretty good increase in performance over the years!

You can check out an Arctic Silver 5 Hot Deal in this thread!

 

[Yellowbeard]

Originally posted by: Riverhound777
I have a tube of AS II that i've had for a good 6 years. I've used it on several installs with no issues and never thought much of it. Is this a bad idea? I know they now have AS 5, should I toss my old tube and buy a new one? How much of a difference is there?

I can't see why your current tube would have degraded unless it was not sealed properly when stored. If you need every single last advantage for heat, then get a new tube. Otherwise, I would say you are OK.

 

[Texun]

I have a tube of AS-3 and was wondering the same thing. I decided to try it on my FX-55\XP-90\ASUS mobo and the temps stay in the mid to high 30C's loaded. Seems fine to me.

 

[cbuchach]

I remember reading somewhere that AS can separate and should be stored with the tip of the bottle down if you will be keeping it for some time.

I have always spent the $5 for a new tube whenever I have had a major CPU upgrade.

 

[lopri]

I've recently learned that Arctic Silver isn't any better than toothpaste. What matters is how flat the IHS/HSF are and how you apply the TIM. I wouldn't worry about degradation of AS. (Hell, you can use toothpaste for a better result!)

 

[nealh]

Originally posted by: lopri
I've recently learned that Arctic Silver isn't any better than toothpaste. What matters is how flat the IHS/HSF are and how you apply the TIM. I wouldn't worry about degradation of AS. (Hell, you can use toothpaste for a better result!)

No Sh*t..leave it you to figure this out

I have come to the conclusion that TIM is amybe good for 1C in perfect situation if applied "right"

 

[SparkyJJO]

So if I put toothpaste on my CPU instead of arctic silver will my PC have a peppermint smell to it then?

 

[SEAL62505]

Originally posted by: cbuchach
I remember reading somewhere that AS can separate and should be stored with the tip of the bottle down if you will be keeping it for some time.

I have always spent the $5 for a new tube whenever I have had a major CPU upgrade.

Actually, that is why I got rid of my AS3 and got AS5 awhile back. I went to use my AS3 and it had totally separated... I was actually going to go check out my AS5 because I want to use it in my c2duo system (but it has been on my shelf for a long time)

 

[DrMrLordX]

Originally posted by: nealh

I have come to the conclusion that TIM is amybe good for 1C in perfect situation if applied "right"

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware...-Interface-Shootout-ftopict221751.html

Dunno man, take that for what it's worth. X23 is lookin pretty good.