Table of Contents
Can I use expired thermal paste?
Yes, thermal paste does expire, but it may take up to years for thermal pastes to go bad. Remove it with an isopropyl alcohol pad and put on a new layer of thermal paste. Thermal paste generally takes around three years to go bad.
How long can thermal paste last?
Most value options are good for two to three years, while higher-end compounds can go up to seven years. Replacing it every two to three years is a good idea and will keep your chip at its optimum.
Does thermal paste degrade over time?
In my experience, yes thermal paste can deteriorate over time.
How long does ceramic thermal paste last?
Thermal paste, just like many other products has a limited shelf-life. Most thermal paste products expire after three to five years; provided that the product is stored in optimal conditions.
How long does thermal paste last in PC?
A standard thermal paste will last about five years on your CPU or any other chip. Depending on the climate, the computer’s cooling system, usage, and the compound’s quality, this number can decrease to three years or increase to as much as ten years.
How often should you replace thermal paste?
Thermal paste companies say to change it every 6 months, but that is biased because they want to sell more paste. Mechanical technicians say it never has to be replaced. They will repair components that are 10+ years old, and the thermal paste is still intact.
Does thermal paste expire/go bad?
Even though thermal paste products do have an expiration date, they can be used effectively, for many years; provided that they are stored correctly. Generally, the only time that a thermal paste can be considered to have gone bad is when the contents have turned watery, clumpy, or have separated.
How long thermal paste last?
Even in extreme conditions the paste between a HSF should last 6 months before drying. If kept in a tube (and sealed/cool) the thermal paste will last hundreds of times longer. In other words, no worries. Far more important is how you apply the paste and mate the heat sink to the chip.