[SOLVED] How long will pre-applied thermal paste last in the box?

[Judstar180]

I am building a new gaming rig. But I have to wait a while longer to get my motherboard, but I also have gotten my cpu cooler and are unable to install it. I'm just wondering if the cpu coolers (kraken Z53) pre-applied thermal paste will dry out or something in the box? (could be 2 - 3 weeks of the cooler sitting in the box)

 

[Lafong]

I'd seriously doubt it. For all you know, it has already been sitting in the box on the distributor's shelf for months.

 

[Judstar180]

I'd seriously doubt it. For all you know, it has already been sitting in the box on the distributor's shelf for months.

Oh yeah that's true, thanks!

 

[Zerk2012]

I am building a new gaming rig. But I have to wait a while longer to get my motherboard, but I also have gotten my cpu cooler and are unable to install it. I'm just wondering if the cpu coolers (kraken Z53) pre-applied thermal paste will dry out or something in the box? (could be 2 - 3 weeks of the cooler sitting in the box)

Unless you got it right off the assembly line it's been sitting in a warehouse for a lot longer than a few weeks.

 

[Judstar180]

Unless you got it right off the assembly line it's been sitting in a warehouse for a lot longer than a few weeks.

ahh I see, thanks alot!

 

[teutoniswolf]

I would absolutely reapply some. You can remove it with a dab of isopropyl alcohol very carefully so as not to damage the CPU. Next, what has worked for me across multiple builds is to reapply fresh thermal paste in an X on the motherboard and then to let the pressure from the CPU cooler distribute it. You do not need to use a lot of thermal paste just a reasonable amount. Please let me know if this helps!