Does thermal paste dry out?

[The Dragon]

Does thermal paste dry out? I right now have a processor sitting in a socket with thermal paste on it and I wanna know if it will dry out quickly or it takes time or if it doesn't dry out at all, Thanks

[iHammmy]

Probably after a while  

[Guest]

Decent paste will last years, although I change mine every 2 years to be sure. 

Unless you notice higher temperatures it should be fine. 

@TheDragon

[ItsFTP]

It only takes a few seconds, if you mean how long does it take to set.

It lasts for years, if thats the answer you want.

[MegaDave91]

Thermal paste lasts indefinitely, so it's not a bad idea to re-apply it.

 

How old is the PC?

[TheKDub]

Yes it eventually dries out, though typically it takes at least 5 years for that to happen, and by that time you should have replaced it anyways.

 

It really just depends on the quality of the thermal paste, a shitty quality paste could last for a few years, whereas a high quality paste could last 6+ years before drying out. (When I say dry out, I mean when it becomes all crusty and hard. like in this picture:)

[The Dragon]

It only takes a few seconds, if you mean how long does it take to set.

It lasts for years though.

Really!?!?!

[The Dragon]

Thermal paste is lasts indefinitely, so it's not a bad idea to re-apply it.

 

How old is the PC?

2008 its an inspiron 530

[W-L]

2008 its an inspiron 530

 

It usually takes a few years, just check and if it's running hot it's usually time to replace it. Some silver based pastes though will take time to cure once applied to reach peak efficiency (~200 hours).

[MegaDave91]

2008 its an inspiron 530

I wouldn't hesitate to at least check if that were my PC. However, I don't recommend you do if you don't have thermal paste to apply. 

[The Dragon]

It usually takes a few years, just check and if it's running hot it's usually time to replace it. Some silver based pastes though will take time to cure once applied to reach peak efficiency (~200 hours).

I'm not worried about temperature with this computer I'm just taking it apart for fun and putting it back together yet I wanna know if when I put it back together with the thermal paste being exposed to the air for an hour or so will dry it out causing the cpu to overheat

[MegaDave91]

I'm not worried about temperature with this computer I'm just taking it apart for fun and putting it back together yet I wanna know if when I put it back together with the thermal paste being exposed to the air for an hour or so will dry it out causing the cpu to overheat

That's when you re-apply fresh paste, not reuse old stuff.

[The Dragon]

That's when you re-apply fresh paste, not reuse old stuff.

So its not a good idea to put it back together? I'm not too worried about whether or not the computer will work but it would be good if it does

[W-L]

I'm not worried about temperature with this computer I'm just taking it apart for fun and putting it back together yet I wanna know if when I put it back together with the thermal paste being exposed to the air for an hour or so will dry it out causing the cpu to overheat

 

If you removed the cooler you'll need to reapply new thermal paste and it will tend to dry out over time naturally, but very slowly.

[soup]

I'm not worried about temperature with this computer I'm just taking it apart for fun and putting it back together yet I wanna know if when I put it back together with the thermal paste being exposed to the air for an hour or so will dry it out causing the cpu to overheat

Any time you take the sink of the CPU you should re apply thermal paste (it doesn't matter how long it is exposed to the air, it drying out is not the problem: it will not go EXACTLY back were it was so the transfer properties will not be the same ).  It only takes a minute to do so why not?

[The Dragon]

If you removed the cooler you'll need to reapply new thermal paste and it will tend to dry out over time naturally, but very slowly.

Like need need or its a good idea to apply new paste. 

[W-L]

Like need need or its a good idea to apply new paste. 

 

At this point mandatory, once a cooler is removed new thermal paste must be applied every time to prevent any air bubbles from getting trapped and making poor contact. I have put coolers back on with previous thermal paste that is fairly new but only temporarily. 

[rtpb5642]

Yes usally after 5 years or more.