![]() ![]() This is much more noticeable on a CPU after some use than it is in a tube. Thermal paste expires on a CPU for the same reason it expires inside the tube: the organic solvent dissipates into the atmosphere, resulting in a decrease in viscosity, cracking, and powdering. So far we’ve discussed thermal paste expiring on the shelf or after being opened, but what about when its been applied to a CPU? If you’re a store or a warehouse, consider managing your humidity or light exposure. Low light, preferably no direct sunlight.Has good ambient humidity (about 40-50%).Room temperature (about 20☌/70☏, give or take).The proper environment for storing thermal paste looks like this: Stored in viable conditions, an opened tube of KOLD-01 thermal paste can still be used even after months of storage.Īs we previously discussed, the two most important things to consider when looking at the expiration of thermal paste are its ingredients and the environment it’s being stored in. Unlike other brands, Kooling Monster KOLD-01 employs no organic solvent, resulting in a longer shelf-life, both opened and unopened. This is why the thermal paste becomes dry. So why the specific environmental conditions? Well, the major reason for a tube of thermal paste expiring when unused is that the organic solvent in the tube has been released into the atmosphere. To get the most out of any opened syringe of thermal paste, make sure the open end of the syringe is sealed, and the tube itself is in a place that’s not too cold, hot, or humid. This again depends on the ingredients inside the thermal paste on the environment it’s stored in (store, warehouse, room, etc.). How long does thermal paste last in an opened tube? So the perfect storage space is at normal room temperature without too much humidity. Extreme cold can also affect a thermal paste’s condition. Heat can accelerate the expiration of thermal paste. If you’re buying from a physical outlet and the AC doesn’t work, chances are that your thermal paste is suffering on the shelf. So, be wary of where you buy your thermal paste. That said, the environment where it’s stored can impact this. What is the shelf life of unopened thermal paste?ĭepending on the formula used, the average shelf life is between 6 and 24 months. If it’s not yet clear, we don’t recommend using a thick and dry thermal paste. This is the best methodology that laptop brand owners and CPU manufacturers have come up with to gauge thermal paste expiry. Technically, if the viscosity of a thermal paste is twice its original state then the thermal paste can be considered expired. The most objective way to judge thermal paste is to look at viscosity. Some thermal pastes may exist in their original states as very thick and dry (though, we don’t recommend anyone use those). However, different brands use different formulae to create their thermal pastes, which results in different viscosities, hardness, and extrusion rates across the board. ![]() ![]() So, if your thermal paste is hard to apply or spread, is very sticky, stiff, or hard to extrude… it might just be expired. Generally, thermal paste should not be extremely sticky, should spread evenly, and come out of the tube easily. For thermal paste, this expiration can be determined by looking at its viscosity. For chips, they become stiffer - at least for the edible kind. Practically speaking, “expiration” means a different thing for every substance. But when you try to pump it out, it feels a little… hard? sticky? Not so… thermal paste-y…? But wait, you think, thermal paste can’t expire… can it? Well, let’s find out. Either way, you reach for that tube of thermal paste that you used last year. Maybe you just received that shipment of parts and are eager to put together your new build, or you think your computer’s running a little hot so you’re wanting to clean up. ![]()
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