Arctic Silver 5: Shelf Life?

[rranney]

I've got some Arctic Silver 5 that I used about a year ago. Plenty left in the tube... is it still good or should I buy a fresh tube for my new build?

Thanks!

 

[jiggamanjb]

If it hasn't separated then it's still good. I have some that's over 5yrs that still works fine.

 

[Psykoikonov]

It should be ok, I have had the same situation and found that it after time the bit in the nozzle seems to separate and the first bit will be watery. Maybe try squeezing some out and check thickness, it should be smooth, as thick as grease, and dark grey.

edit:beaten to it

 

[Rod911]

...I have some that's over 5yrs that still works fine.

Same here. However, they have always been stored in a fridge, with their nozzle down. I use them on my two spare PCs, and cooling performance have been the same from the beginning. It also kind of helps comparing its performance when you have had said PCs for the same period of time as the thermal paste.