How long does thermal grease last?

MikeyLSU

Platinum Member
Dec 21, 2005
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I found some old arctic silver thermal grease. I believe it is around 6 years old. Is it still good or is it time to just chunk it out?
 

zagood

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2005
4,102
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It separates over time. If you're thinking of just one use, I would squeeze the whole tube onto a disposable non-porous surface and re-mix it with a plastic knife or something like that, then use same tool for application.

If you're planning on a project that'll take more than an hour or two with a bunch of heatsink removals, toss it and pick up some new stuff.
 

Turbonium

Platinum Member
Mar 15, 2003
2,109
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91
Separation aside, it's called a "grease" for a reason: it lasts virtually indefinitely.