Does thermal grease expire?

[optimistic]

I mean I have this 1 plus year old packet of thermal grease that I opened and used, partly, a year ago and now I want to apply this stuff to my sister's new rig. (XP 1800, minimal cooling, no overclock).

Will it work? Or do I have to get a new pack?

 

[Corporate Thug]

it should still be good

 

[beatle]

Take a look at this thread and then make your decision. I've had thermal adhesive expire that was never opened. It had separated and was basically worthless. The short answer is that you'll probably be ok using it, but I'd plan on replacing it soon.

My idle is close to 10C HIGHER than when I first applied the AS2 in that thread. :Q It was fine for almost a week though. Fortunately I'm not pushing my CPU 24/7.

 

[philmore47]

Originally posted by: beatle
Take a look at this thread and then make your decision. I've had thermal adhesive expire that was never opened. It had separated and was basically worthless. The short answer is that you'll probably be ok using it, but I'd plan on replacing it soon.

My idle is close to 10C HIGHER than when I first applied the AS2 in that thread. :Q It was fine for almost a week though. Fortunately I'm not pushing my CPU 24/7.

I had the same thing happen to me. I recommend replacing it very soon.

 

[woodscomp]

I have had tubes of thermal paste that are three years old and still work as advertised.

I would not use anything that has separated.

 

[Slappy00]

my artic silver 2 worked fine after 2 years... it was in a tube and capped though

 

[optimistic]

I'm using the generic stuff. And it's still in a thick goo form.