How long can I store ram without using?

[Remobz]

Any of you guys ever store ram (in a computer desk drawer for example) for a future build and wait like 2-3 years before using it?

Would that be wise? Go defective after a short while????

Its a long story trust me.

 

[Turbonium]

Should be fine? Just keep the memory out of extreme temperatures (hot or cold), humidity, and probably direct sunlight as well.

 

[LoveMachine]

I'd keep it in the original packaging if possible to minimize static charges and dust, but it ain't milk. Should be fine.

 

[tweakboy]

As long as it wasn't prone to heat. It will work just fine. :thumbsup:

 

[Remobz]

Should be fine? Just keep the memory out of extreme temperatures (hot or cold), humidity, and probably direct sunlight as well.

Ram will be in a tropical climate and humidity is the big ENEMY. Temps get really hot there (75F-95F on average) and no central cooling or AC units in the house

Just not sure if its worth the risk?

 

[Ben90]

Just protect it from the humidity and it will be fine. 95*F isn't anything for electronics, especially electronics that have no voltage running through them. I wouldn't expect there to be any problems storing RAM for years until the temperature starts to get into the 200+ range.

 

[Blain]

Ram will be in a tropical climate and humidity is the big ENEMY. Temps get really hot there (75F-95F on average) and no central cooling or AC units in the house

You can store memory for extended periods of time.
Vacuum seal the DIMMs in mylar bags with one or two silica gel desiccant packets per bag.
For an added level of long term protection you can seal those bags inside a larger plastic or mylar bag, again with one or two silica gel desiccant packets.

This method will allow you to laugh all the way to the bank while your neighbors scramble to buy expensive DIMMs.

 

[bononos]

Ram will be in a tropical climate and humidity is the big ENEMY. Temps get really hot there (75F-95F on average) and no central cooling or AC units in the house

Just not sure if its worth the risk?

Just put it in a drawer, unless you have a hole in your roof, I don't see how humidity will be a problem.

 

[Soulkeeper]

The old electrolytic capacitors had limited lifespan of a few years (depending on quality/conditions i've heard ranges from 2yrs to 20yrs). Running them would actually make them last longer than storing them. And "reforming" them before use has been recommended after extended storage.
With new memory having none of these, i'd assume the lifespan could potentially be much longer (10+ years, 30+ years, who knows).
Long as extreme humidity/electrolysis/etc. aren't exposed (ie: throwing them in a box with coins under a fish tank).

everyone else pretty much said the same stuff, I just wanted to add the comments on electrolytic caps (which may have led to wondering about this).

 

[Remobz]

The old electrolytic capacitors had limited lifespan of a few years (depending on quality/conditions i've heard ranges from 2yrs to 20yrs). Running them would actually make them last longer than storing them. And "reforming" them before use has been recommended after extended storage.
With new memory having none of these, i'd assume the lifespan could potentially be much longer (10+ years, 30+ years, who knows).
Long as extreme humidity/electrolysis/etc. aren't exposed (ie: throwing them in a box with coins under a fish tank).

everyone else pretty much said the same stuff, I just wanted to add the comments on electrolytic caps (which may have led to wondering about this).

Thank you for this post.

You summed it up well.

 

[RobertT]

The warranty says 5 years. So, your ram should work perfectly(unused)for at least5 years. Temp and humidity matter but if you have kept it in your room, you dont need to worry.

 

[bryanl]

You can store memory for extended periods of time.
Vacuum seal the DIMMs in mylar bags with one or two silica gel desiccant packets per bag..

in anti-static mylar bags. Static is a much more likely hazard than moisture or temperature extrmes.

 

[Ben90]

In all seriousness though, just putting it in a drawer should be fine. When I had two unused RAM sticks I didn't think I would need anymore, I started using them as drum sticks on my table when I was bored. After playing with them for a while, I realized they make INCREDIBLE back scratching sticks. A few months later with quite a few drumming/smacking/throwing/scratching hours logged, I realized I could have a use for them in a server. Both ran fine.