Thanks Mr. Guverment for starting this thread
We would like to also thank all those who are participating with their test results in our Christmas Promo Giveaway If anybody has other ideas and/or recommendations for testing I would like to hear them.
There is always a lot of discussion on different methods of application. The criteria IC is recommending was drafted to simplify the compound application as much as possible to effectively provide optimal performance. The debate often centers on how much is a pea sized amount? Unfortunately this is subject to a final artful interpretation. In ICD7's case, more is better than less, by which we mean enough to get the whole IHS covered when the sink is mounted. You can jiggle into it if you are unsure by pulling the sink off and adding a little more if necessary and re clamping it, excess will just squeeze out.
we are investigating a couple of metered delivery systems that would take the guess work out of it.
This compound is very thick. when pushing the plunger, be patient and do not force it or you will break the plunger. It will come out at a slower pace than what most are used to. The reason the compound is formulated so densely is for performance and to minimize pump out to provide for long term stability. Thinner compounds (those with bulk loadings under 90%) while giving excellent performance on initial application are subject over time with thermal cycling causing an expansion and contraction of components to act like a "pump" and which then pushes the grease out of the joint and can cause a degradation of thermal performace of several degrees after only a couple months. The thickness/density is just the nature of the beast
Do not use the newly popular single line or other methods with ICD7 as spreading will be uneven. If everyone uses the recommended method it will settle into an even bond line which will give an optimal result and should provide more consistency between everybody's test results with fewer outliers.
Note your before and after temps, board and case temps, ambient temps if possible. It being winter be aware of alternate heat sources like baseboard hot air or water and when when your furnace is running etc. This ambient fluctuation can skew results. Be suspicious of of overly positive or overly negative results. Recheck the setup.
My comments from here on out will be somewhat limited so as not to influence results. It is what it is. I will answer questions but not want to enter into any debates.
syringes were mailed Monday so I expect this weekend or next week we will begin to see some results trickle in.
Happy Holidays to all
Application notes for those participating the giveaway test promo.
IC Diamond is composed mostly of diamond powder 94% with other along with other bulk material(carbon black+), and as such is quite thick. Proper application is critical to optimum performance. Squeeze onto the center of the CPU an amount of IC Diamond compound about the size of a pea The amount applied should be enough to cover the entire IHS - the center of the CPU/IHS is where most heat is concentrated. Place the heatsink on the CPU and push down to spread IC Diamond over the CPU's surface. Clamp the heatsink and power up the PC.
Curing Time: IC Diamond requires minimal time to attain peak performance; in most cases, IC Diamond will reach peak performance after two hours of use. After 24 hours an addition 1/2 C drop. may be noted but realistically It suffices enough to call it two hours for optimal performance
Stability: IC Diamond is designed for stability - it will not bleed or separate in normal use
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