[SOLVED] Good thermal compound?

[verdugo]

Hi. I'm getting ready to install a new cpu in my system but it's been eight years since the last time i put a computer together. I have two sticks of CoolerMaster thermal compound left over but i'm not sure if that is still good. What is a good one these days? I remember way back then it was Artic Silver. Like I said, it's been awhile for me.

 

[Furzumz]

Unless you're doing some serious overclocking where every celcius can matter, the differences between most thermal paste is negligible

Artic silver works, as well as MX4, noctua paste I've noticed is much easier to clean up IMO, basically any reputable name brand should do you just fine.

As far as the old paste you have goes, if its 8 years old I'd probably get a new tube. The contents may of began separating in the tube so it might not work as well as it used to

 

[RealBeast]

As long as it has been sealed and stored well, I would use the paste that you have. I have a tube of AS5 that is around 10 years old and it flows like the day I bought it since it has been sealed and stored in my office..