I recently ordered some new computer parts, but I totally forgot to get thermal paste. I found an old tube of thermal grease in my stash—it's about 10 years old and I only used it once. Is there any chance that it might still be good to use?
5 Answers
I’ve used old thermal pastes like Arctic Silver that were quite a bit older, and they worked just fine. Just check your CPU temps after applying to make sure everything’s running smoothly!
As long as it hasn’t dried out or separated, you’re good to go! There are PCs out there still running on pastes that are over 10 years old. They’re designed to conduct heat and typically don’t break down easily.
Just squeeze it out! If it’s not solid or super thick, you’re probably in the clear. Sometimes older thermal pastes can separate into layers, so mixing it a bit could help too. Generally, the components should be fine after a decade, just needs a good shake!
It really depends on how it was stored. Some pastes can dry out even if sealed. If you notice any dryness or separation, it might be best to get a fresh one just to be on the safe side.
I bought a new tube recently and it had a best by date of 2030. So, it seems like they can last quite a bit if stored properly!
Exactly! Just make sure it’s not too runny or too dry. It should work fine as long as it’s not completely solid.