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    Does thermal paste become less efficient as it ages?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by noxxle99, Jan 25, 2008.

  1. noxxle99

    noxxle99 Notebook Deity

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    I've got a tube of arctic silver that I've been using for two years now. Is it time to get some more? I have probably only used half of it. Used a little bit 4 months ago and it seemed to work fine. Of course I dont have anything to compare it with. The temperature levels on my CPU are about the same that I see reported in Newegg reviews as well.

    In general, how old is too old for thermal paste?
     
    noxxle99, Jan 25, 2008
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  2. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    Generally, it should last several years no problem. The issue is that over time the ingredients can separate and need to be mixed. They say best thing to do is to store the tube vertically as opposed to on its side. Zalman makes a thermal paste with similar performance to AS5, and it comes in a fingernail polish bottle with a brush. Best way to apply paste IMHO. Don't know why Arctic Silver doesn't do the same. This way you can shake or stir the formula before use, and application is simple since you can just paint it on instead of smooshing or spreading it.
     
    HTWingNut, Jan 25, 2008
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  3. silentnite2608

    silentnite2608 Notebook Evangelist

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    I have one little tube and use on tons of pc,xbox and 360's.
    It will age if you are consently amping the heat up. Only way to do that is uping the volts.
    Because Than it never really settles and never really gets to do it job.
     
    silentnite2608, Jan 25, 2008
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