Need new CPU paste (or whatever its called)

[marketpantry]

As you know, my computer has been busted for a while. I just shipped in my mobo for replacement and ive realized now that i will need more thermal paste. What do you recommend me doing in this situation? im open to any brand suggestions ect.

 

[Theocnoob]

Arctic Cooling MX-4, or Shin Etsu, or Indigo Xtreme.

I find the MX-4 to be really easy to work. I haven't tried the other two listed but I've tried the MX-2 and Arctic Silver 5 and MX-4 is a lot easier to spread and makes a nice glue-like seal. It's not hard to remove, but it sort of sucks the heatsink on.

 

[marketpantry]

Arctic Cooling MX-4, or Shin Etsu, or Indigo Xtreme.

I find the MX-4 to be really easy to work. I haven't tried the other two listed but I've tried the MX-2 and Arctic Silver 5 and MX-4 is a lot easier to spread and makes a nice glue-like seal. It's not hard to remove, but it sort of sucks the heatsink on.

alright, but should i have more liberal amounts on it because im putting a heavy heat sink on it?

also, the computer builder that i bought mine from used this to hold my cpu cooler in place:

are there any alternatives? i didnt even think to look at how he had it strapped uin before i cut it.


edit:
i probably keep my cpu at default settings until the summer ends so figuring out how to fix this issue isnt really that time sensitive.

 

[trents]

For the thermal interface material I recommend Arctic Silver 5 or Arctic Cooling MX2. They both offer a high performance to cost ratio. Are you serious that the builder used zip ties to fasten the hea tsink to the CPU socket? Man, I would certainly not repeat that. Makes me wonder if he used a heat sink that was not made for that socket.

Do not use "more liberal amounts" of TIM just because you are using a heavy heat sink. Too much TIM just insulates. Use a small blob in the middle of the CPU face and allow the clamping pressure to spread it. Refer to TIM manufacturer instructions.

 

[Just a nickname]

MX-2 > AS5
For the same price you can have more MX-2, no curing time and spread easier.
Oh and AS5 has limited life time. I had one and after 6 months the material separate from liquid so meh, I don't want this to happen between my cpu & heatsink.

 

[EarthDog]

MX-2 or AS5 with MX-2 being a better product. I wouldnt spend more than that for TIM.

 

[Theocnoob]

Have you tried their MX-4? It converted me on the first mount.

 

[EarthDog]

You also prefer running memory way high for maybe a 1 fps difference. I'll save my money and run 1C warmer.

 

[Theocnoob]

You also prefer running memory way high for maybe a 1 fps difference. I'll save my money and run 1C warmer.

It's $3. Difference is darn near 1 degree per dollar. You can't beat that thermal dissipation per dollar ratio.

 

[EarthDog]

Ok...but I just dont care. That isnt a make or break for me or most people for that matter. Thats $3 I can use to buy some chips and a soda at lunch that I wouldnt have otherwise.

 

[Theocnoob]

Marketpantry this is really good stuff:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...150080&cm_re=shin_etsu-_-35-150-080-_-Product

Shin Etsu. You don't get much in the tube but it's really good quality.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186038&Tpk=mx4

My recommendation if you want a higher volume tube. Slightly worse performance

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020&cm_re=mx_2-_-35-186-020-_-Product

Earthdog's recommendation if you want a higher volume tube. And a Pepsi and a bag of Doritos. About 3 celsius worse than the MX4.
And yes, I'm eccentric. But that's just me. I'll pay $ for a slight noise or cooling improvement. Have I mentioned all my case fans are now ridiculously expensive Noctua? I can hear myself think.

 

[EarthDog]

What Im trying to get at in a round about way is that some people, Im guessing most people dont require every FPS when what they are getting is fine. Most people, I would also guess, would rather save $3 then have 1-3C better temperatures when the temps are already fine. To each their own. You just want to extract every little everything with little thought to cost. Obviously we are only talking $3 in this case, but its a much bigger difference in ram. You do the math on 2133 ram vs 1600Mhz ram and that 1-2 FPS difference it MAY provide. Thats like $35 /fps!

 

[Theocnoob]

Thats like $35 /fps!

That is a lot of Doritos and soda. I'll be more cost considerate when making suggestions in future.

 

[Just a nickname]

You sir are wrong.
First of all it is 4$ of difference.

Prof:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020&cm_re=mx-2-_-35-186-020-_-Product
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186038&Tpk=mx-4

2. Add another junk food

Conclusion:
It doesn't matter which TIM you get as long as you do a good application. MX-2 and MX-4 are two great paste easy to apply you will only gain 1c difference so who cares really...

 

[Theocnoob]

Nickname- not to nitpick, but my tests have consistently shown about 3 degrees across a couple of different platforms.

 

[onefstsnake]

Lately I've been using MX4, IC Diamond, and OCZ Freeze.
The IC Diamond seems to be the best that I've used as far as temps go.

 

[Just a nickname]

Nickname- not to nitpick, but my tests have consistently shown about 3 degrees across a couple of different platforms.

???

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/3383/arctic_cooling_mx_4_thermal_compound/index4.html


http://www.madshrimps.be/articles/a...-MX-4-Thermal-Compound-Review/3#axzz1RItBOG4y

That's about all I can find couldn't find back the one I was searching for however...

Edit: Just a warn against IC diamond. It is a good paste, but *may* void warranty (will polish the cpu). PK-1 and shin etsu x23 both perform better without the abrasive characteristic of ICD...
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1603187&page=2

 

[Theocnoob]

???

That's tweaktown. My tests in my apartment show otherwise.

 

[EarthDog]

THE Professional shows VERY little difference like we have been saying all along.

http://skinneelabs.com/2011-tim-results/2/

Note the best mount temperatures (1st small graph up top). Yes, I see the weigthed average, but that is including poor mounts, spreads, etc. So with a proper mount and spread, its within .5C. How do you feel now about spending 25% more for .03% improvement?

 

[Theocnoob]

THE Professional shows VERY little difference like we have been saying all along.

http://skinneelabs.com/2011-tim-results/2/

Note the best mount temperatures (1st small graph up top). Yes, I see the weigthed average, but that is including poor mounts, spreads, etc. So with a proper mount and spread, its within .5C. How do you feel now about spending 25% more for .03% improvement?

I'm good with it. I've made peace with myself regarding such things.
I'd buy it just for the texture, which I find much easier to work with. It doesn't ever dribble or run or go anywhere you didn't put it. Nice and sticky. Easier to clean than even the MX2. Also, we can't discount the fact that the difference in humidity and ambient temp, combined with the level of Canadianness in the air locally may have skewed my results favorably.