Artic Silver 5 lifespan?

[fscussel]

Hello, I have a tube of AS5 that has been in my desk for around 8 months, every 2 or 3 months I have used it a little, so I would like to know if it's steel good or if it might have lose some of it's heat transfer capacity?? thanks.

 

[RalfHutter]

It's still fine, but if you're worried, drop Artic Silver an email and ask them. They're the experts.

 

[govtcheez75]

it's not just steel good....it's silver good!

You're fine. I think I've had my two tubes for almost 2 years. As long as it didn't dry out, you're good to go.

 

[fscussel]

I have read somewhere that it should be keep in the refrigerator, is that right? I didnt do that with mine

 

[Killmenow]

Over time, seperation can occur. Putting the tube into a fridge would help slow down this process; however, seperation is inevitable (over a horribly long period of time). Arctic Silver recommends storing the tube in an upright position so that if seperation does occur..... the more usable stuff would be near the tip. I have a large clear tube of AS5........it has been about a year now, and I have noticed a small colour difference when comparing both ends of the tube. If the tube is small, and you are concerned with shelf life, I simply recommend buying a new tube since the price is rather low. Personally, I would just use the paste without worrying too much.

 

[phaxmohdem]

I have a small 1G tube and the other day I used some on a K6-2 I was fooling around with, when I send to squirt it out I got a little clear liquid first, then the goop came out. I've had this tube 6-8 months or so I think. )+ however long it was on the shelves/storage at the store I bought it from).

I just wiped away the liquid part and used the goop and all seems well. I"d imagine that it is just some sort of liquid to help the stuff flow /spreadinstead of clotting up, drying up, cracking... whatever.

 

[Maximilian]

My AS5 was lying on the floor for like a year. Still works fine.