OK to use Artic Silver thermal paste cleaning kit from '07?

[radcustom]

> Is it ok to use a Artic Silver Arcticlean thermal paste cleaning kit from 2007? 
It's this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arctic-Silver-ArctiClean-Material-Purifier/dp/B000BKP306

> What about Artic Silver 5 from around 2006? Might have another from 2012... how about that one?

[Theguywhobea]

They're probably fine, I can't imagine they are much more than just some rubbing alcohol.

[Beowulff83]

I am not sure about the cleaner.  My gut tells me you should be ok but have nothing to back that up.  More than likely the AS5 should be fine the only issue you will see is the material in the tube might have separated  and you will need to do some extra work to mix it back together.  In 2018 i used some AS5 i had from 2007 on and old pc and it worked well.

[DAVdaBRAV]

32 minutes ago, Theguywhobea said:

They're probably fine, I can't imagine they are much more than just some rubbing alcohol.

Rubbing Alcohol starts becoming acetone after about 5 years.  probably fine on copper. wouldn't use it on anything colored.

[radcustom]

10 hours ago, Beowulff83 said:

More than likely the AS5 should be fine the only issue you will see is the material in the tube might have separated  and you will need to do some extra work to mix it back together. 

How do you mix the paste that is in the tube back together?!

[LogicalDrm]

Check if they have expirations dates. If those are due, you are doing things at your own risk.

 

Alcohol has slight issue with getting soapy over time. As in alcohol evaporates and stuff used to bind it is left behind. This is experience from medical equipment, so it might be different. Usually they have 5-10 years expiration dates, so might be good, or not.

 

The thermal paste from -06 is something I wouldn't use. Unless its unopened. But if its not sealed, then you have great risk of it being dried up already. Those are also something like 5-10 years good.