When cleaning the CPU fan and its cooling system, you may need to remove the heatsink. The existing thermal paste must then be replaced by the new ones before the heatsink can be reinstalled.
Above is an example where you have to replace/apply the thermal paste. The tube of thermal paste that you purchase can be used several times. So the question is, will the thermal glue in the tube expire? Will you be able to use it in a few years?
Does thermal paste expire? That is a common question we receive from our customers.
The short answer is yes, depending on the type of thermal paste and how it is stored, thermal paste can degrade and become unusable after about 3 years (not exact in all cases).
In this article, we will go over the aforementioned topic in depth and provide you with information on how to determine the quality of thermal paste and when to replace it. We also include instructions for applying thermal paste as a way for you to perform your own CPU/GPU maintenance at home.
- What Is The Thermal Paste? Why Is Important?
- Does Thermal Paste Expire?
- How Do You Know If Your Thermal Paste Going Bad?
- How Often Should Thermal Paste Be Replaced?
- Tips for Prolonging the Life of Thermal Paste In Your Tube
- How To Apply Thermal Paste Methods?
What Is The Thermal Paste? Why Is Important?
As mentioned earlier, thermal paste is a substance that is used to help transfer heat from the processor (CPU or GPU) to the heatsink. It is made up of heat-conductive substance such as metal or ceramic compounds, and it helps to fill any gaps between the CPU/GPU and the heatsink surfaces.
When your computer is running, especially when under heavy load, the CPU and GPU generate a lot of heat. Thermal paste is an active compound that is used in the cooling system to keep these components operating at a stable temperature.
RELATED: How Hot Is Too Hot for GPU?
Every solid surface is not perfectly flat. The processor’s and heatsink’s surfaces are no exception. A moderate viscosity thermal paste filled in the gap between the two surfaces is the ideal solution for increasing the contact area for maximum heat transfer efficiency.
Without the thermal paste, the CPU/GPU would overheat and eventually damage itself.
RELATED: Normal CPU Temperature While Gaming.
Does Thermal Paste Expire?
Yes, they will expire after a period of time, which can be long or short depending on the storage conditions.
There are several well-known brands of thermal paste, including Artic Silver, Cooler Master, Thermal Grizzly, and Noctua. Most of them have a three-year shelf life when packaged and unopened.
Some manufacturers say that the thermal paste can last for up to five years, while others say that it should be replaced every two years.
It is important to note that thermal paste does not necessarily expire after the time specified by the manufacturer. It may become unusable after a short period of time due to improper storage. The thermal paste may, however, degrade over time. This means that it will be less effective at dissipating heat from the CPU/GPU and other components.
How Do You Know If Your Thermal Paste Going Bad?
We’re talking about determining the condition of the thermal paste to see if it’s still usable. When it comes to thermal paste, there are two cases to consider. That is, (1) thermal paste is stored in the tube, and (2) thermal paste is used in the cooling system.
Thermal Paste Remaining In The Tube
As stated at the beginning of the article, the tube of thermal paste can be used multiple times. You can use the following steps to determine whether the thermal paste remaining in the tube is still usable after several years of storage:
- Using your fingertips, apply some thermal paste to a flat surface.
- If the adhesive of the thermal paste remains smooth and uniform, its quality is still good and it can be used again.
- If the glue is dry or watery, it is best to throw it away and buy a new tube of thermal paste.
CPU/GPU Temperature Is Frequently Abnormally High
You can use free software to monitor CPU/GPU temperature, such as HWMonitor or Open Hardware Monitor.
If the temperature of the CPU/GPU frequently exceeds the allowable threshold, one of the causes could be that the thermal paste has expired, or that it has not expired but needs to be replaced immediately due to poor quality.
If you are unsure whether or not the thermal paste has degraded, it is always best to replace it. This will ensure that your CPU and other components are protected from overheating.
How Often Should Thermal Paste Be Replaced?
Everyone agrees that changing the thermal paste too frequently, such as once a year, is wasteful and unnecessary. So, when is it time to replace the thermal paste? Here are some cases of when you might need to do this.
RELATED: How To Clean Thermal Paste Off CPU?
Replace The Thermal Paste Whenever The Heatsink Is Removed.
You removed the heatsink for some reason, such as for cleaning. Before reinstalling, you must remove the old thermal paste and replace it with the new ones.
Why is this so? When the heatsink is removed, the surface of the thermal paste is deformed; some of it adheres to the CPU/GPU surface, while the rest adheres to the heatsink. At that point, some of the thermal paste is lost. Furthermore, if you do not replace the thermal paste with a new one, air bubbles can mix into it and cause a reduction in heat conductivity.
Replace The Thermal Paste On A Regular Basis.
Thermal paste can expire after a certain period of time, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually 3 years or different depending on the brand). After this time, the thermal conductivity of the thermal paste has degraded. The thermal paste should be replaced at this point.
In some cases, if you find that your CPU/GPU temperature is unusually high, you may need to consider replacing the thermal paste, even if it has not expired as recommended by the manufacturer.
Thermal Paste Is Recommended To Replace In A Newly Purchased PC.
You buy a pre-built computer, you’re a gamer, or an filming editor. Your computer will always be subjected to heavy workloads. We recommend that you replace the thermal paste as soon as possible after purchasing it. This is the simplest and most cost-effective way to ensure that your PC lasts as long as possible.
Tips for Prolonging the Life of Thermal Paste In Your Tube
There are a few things that you can do to prolong the life of your thermal paste. Let’s take a look at some of those tips.
Store The Thermal Paste Correctly
One thing that you can do is store the thermal paste in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the thermal paste from degrading.
Make sure to store it in an area with normal room temperature. If you store it in a place that is too cold or too hot, the thermal paste can degrade faster.
Put The Cap Back On And Twist It Tightly After Usage
When you are finished using the thermal paste, it is important to put the cap back on and twist it tightly. This will help to prevent the thermal paste from drying out. It is also important to store the thermal paste in an airtight container so that it does not dry out.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
You should also avoid storing the thermal paste in direct sunlight. This can cause the thermal paste to get damaged and make it unusable.
How To Apply Thermal Paste Methods?
Applying thermal paste is a skill that necessitates some hands-on experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
The Way To Apply
Thermal paste must be applied evenly and sparingly. Too little or too much volume also reduces the ability of the CPU/GPU to conduct heat to the heatsink.
Drop a small dot of thermal paste onto the surface of the CPU/GPU when applying it. Then, using a plastic sheet, spread the thermal paste evenly across the surface of the CPU/GPU (see video below at 4:02). This is the most effective method for ensuring that the thermal paste is evenly distributed across the CPU/GPU surface.
If you’re doing this for the first time and are unfamiliar with the process, watch the video below to learn how. You can also test the application of thermal paste on a similar surface of your CPU before proceeding.
Brand Selection
You should use good quality thermal paste from reputable brands. As previously stated, there are several well-known brands of thermal paste, including Artic Silver, Cooler Master, Thermal Grizzly, and Noctua.
A good thermal paste will have a high uniformity and a moderate viscosity. This ensures the best thermal conductivity with no leakage to the surrounding areas.
Thermal paste with metal compounds type is recommended for PCs that frequently work under heavy loads, such as gaming or film marking, because they have the best thermal conductivity performance.
Final Thoughts
Thermal paste is a critical component in keeping your CPU/GPU cool. The main issue is that you must select the proper thermal paste, apply it correctly, and replace it at the appropriate time. Replace the thermal paste after a period of use as recommended by the manufacturer, or sooner if you notice it has deteriorated. By following these guidelines, you can keep your CPU/GPU cool and safe from overheating.
The simplest solution is always the best, as the saying goes. And this is absolutely true if you have the proper thermal paste solution.
