Does underuse of a notebook affect thermal paste or pads?

I was just wondering if I didn't use my notebook for some time (one or two months) would it have any negative (or positive) affects on the thermal paste or pads? Thanks in advance.

Also sorry if this is in the wrong section (I don't know if thermal compound is technically a hardware component or not, but I'm leaning toward it not).

 

I don't think it's bad to let it sit for a few months. The only way to tell if they're bad is turn it on and check the temps. Yesterday someone brought me a desktop to restore, and it had been sitting in storage for 3-4 months and still worked fine.

 

That's good to hear. It's not like it's collecting dust since it's in a case, but I was a bit nervous that the thermal compound would dry up (forgive me, I have almost no knowledge as to how thermal paste or pads work). I heard of thermal compound drying up slowly from overuse under high temperatures, but I have yet to hear of thermal paste drying from underuse, so I'm assuming that's a good sign.

 

It can only have lesser effects if you apply the paste and never have a burn in period

 

I appreciate the response, but I'm not sure if I understand what you're saying...
Do you mean it loses it's effectiveness if I never use it? By the way this is stock thermal compound (I believe they're pads). I haven't used the machine yet (I received it about a week ago) but I'm not planning on using it for a while. It's still in the packaging and I haven't turned it on. That's why I'm questioning if I should give it a test run to get it "in shape".

 

Burn in time is just basically time for the thermal paste to settle in and bond.

 

I just got back from a 3 month holiday in southeast asia and didnt take my laptop with me, no difference in temps or performance at all. (Arctic silver 5 been in for about 9 months)

 

Ok, so when I actually begin using the notebook I should start doing benchmarks and playing games more heavily? Or should I start using the notebook now since I have never turned it on yet (received it about a week ago but currently I am unable to use it)?

It's basically brand new, still in the box and all.

 

Sorry I need to bump this. I really need a response.

 

Just use it normally. There is absolutely no reason for you to be worried about anything.

 

Alright, so it's ok if I only start using it in a two or three weeks? I can't really use it before then.

 

Yes. Stop worrying! It will be fine!

 

Haha ok thank you. As you can tell I get worrisome about my possessions (especially the ones that cost nearly two thousand dollars).