What exactly does this stuff do? It seems like it's pretty important to computer building. And also, how do you apply it? And to what?

The surfaces of CPUs and heat-sinks, no matter how perfectly flat they may look, contain microscopic pits and valleys. These pits and valleys trap air, which is one of the worst conductors of heat imaginable, and this is where thermal pastes comes in. Thermal paste is designed for optimal thermal conductivity and is used to fill in all of those little pits and valleys to provide molecule to molecule thermal contact. This translates into lower temperatures, longer component life, and no burnt out CPUs. NEVER run a computer without a heat-sink and thermal paste installed, it can take only seconds to permanently damage or destroy your CPU.There are many different levels of quality among thermal pastes. The stuff that comes with pre-built computers or packaged with processors and most heat-sinks are considered the bare minimum while Arctic Silver is considered by most to be the best available. Arctic Silver claims that Arctic Silver 5 will lower CPU temperatures by 3-12°C over standard pastes with most actual users say it lowers it by 10°C.As to how to install it. Consult the manufacturers website of whatever thermal paste you purchase and in lieu of that try the heat-sink manufacturer, the processor manufacturer, or the internet in general. The directions for Arctic Silver can be found at http://www.arcticsilver.com/methods.html. You may want to consult YouTube after reading up on the official method to see it done in practice before doing it yourself.

Does this stuff ever expire? I have a tube that is about 10 years old and I'm not sure if I should use it or buy a new tube.

If still in un-opened tube or properly sealed tube it should be fine. I've heard people have used after 6 years with no issues, but that is with a complete un-opened tube. However, just make sure the connection to the heat sink and CPU is cleaned thoroughly before applying. If after; using your own 10 yr old tube, and find the temp of your CPU running a little high then I would recommend buying a new tube. Actually, I would recommend buying a new tube anyway. This tube is small and will work for a few installations. That way, why hassle with getting it done with your tube only to find out it hasn't held well over the years. Good luck.

How often should thermal paste be replaced? I have a i7 i have had it about 4 years? wondering if it needs to be done. No temp issues with cpu.

I used to use only Arctic Silver 5 for years of building computers. About 4 years ago I noticed some of the computers CPUs were running hotter than expected. I pulled off the CPU coolers to find that the arctic silver had turned into a solid. It was like the coolers were welded to the CPU and in some cases I couldn't remove the cooler without the CPU coming off with it. These machines were around 3 to 4 years old. After replacing the arctic silver with new paste they ran better and cooler than when I originally built them. I do believe this stuff used to be the "best" (like 6 or 7 years ago) but now there are much better options that last longer without losing their heat transfer capabilities.

My temps on my i7 are now hotter than when I was using the compound that came with the cooler (the cooler master kind). I had to lower my clocks because the temps were getting too high! Is this normal?

I have the same problem with my AMD FX8350 CPU and THAT is using Corsair H100 Water cooling with fans (4) in push/pull setup.I have full coverage and used "Artic Silver" before; yet I am running at 60-C TOO HOT..Some answers state too much grease; you really can't use too much as all the excess would squeeze out and around the cpu ( which isn't good either.) The claim made by Artic Silver is a number of heat cycles to set the particles. Meaning computer turned off cooled down and booted back up a number of times. Temps are also influenced by the rooms temperature the computer is in as well. As I've said I have used this product and can not explain why I am getting these temps? I removed the product and used the thermo grease I have been using. NOW my temps are at CPU idling 29-C and full all eight cores at 125w CPU 4.3 Ghz 100% load 45-50 C.

Brand	Arctic Silver
Cooler Heatsink Material	Aluminum
Cooler Heatsink Compatibility	Universal
Item Weight	3.5 Grams
Manufacturer	Arctic Silver
UPC	642008439903 800953173550 979980001317 840556003052 739197116170 801579489704 012304363170 794057451358 083219900101 798804167585 833054999194 832199001014 683728187231
Global Trade Identification Number	00642008439903, 00832199001014, 03700268901411
Wireless Type	802.11a
Series	AS5-3.5G
Item model number	AS5-3.5G
Item Weight	0.124 ounces
Product Dimensions	4.29 x 2.5 x 6 inches
Item Dimensions LxWxH	4.29 x 2.5 x 6 inches
Color	Silver
ASIN	B0087X728K
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Date First Available	April 13, 2017

5 AS5-3.5G Thermal Paste,Black, Grey

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