Hi guys im ordering some parts from scan tomorrow so might buy some more thermal paste, need to know what is the very best Tim....is it still artic silver 5 thanks guys
I think most people have given up caring TBH, at least I have. Arctic Silver 5 is pretty good, that's what I bought last - but I can't remember if used it or used the stuff that came with my Noctua HSF... I'm getting old.
Used to use as5 but I believe it has 200 hour running in and to be honest it's quite thick. Ordered mx2 from scan for £3 and very pleased and no run in time. I have 212+ so didn't spread as used thin lines down each copper line but it's a nice consistency to spread
the difference between best and worst will be 3-5C, so it hardly matters. It was discussed in the last hardware podcast, it's more about the amount and how it's applied that makes the difference...
Yeah sometimes people choose TIM based on how easy it is to apply. I have two on the go at the moment, MX-2 and Thermalright Chill Factor - the Thermalright one is much easier to apply and is virtually identical in performance. If I had to suggest one for convenience of application it would be the Zalman stuff - it comes with a brush and is very good stuff.
Soon I will be using rubbing alcohol to clean a i7 sandy and the used surface of a h80, I have some arctic silver 5 and id like to know what is the best possible way to apply this and fit it together. do you put a small blot in the middle and use some card to smooth over a thin layer. How thing should the layer be, is it a case that the Tim just basicly covers the pits in the surface of the CPU so a really really thin layer is required. Obviously i have the reference amount that shipped on the top of the H80 which was basicly like a square and about 1mm thick. Any thing to avoid, obviously to much is a big no no.
Some TIMS are quite a thick paste and are difficult to apply, so here's a tip: run the tube (closed) under a hot tap first.
Or put it in your pocket for a bit and let your balls warm it up - shouldn't take long with the current temperatures... ...or ask the other half to help "warm it up"...
I put a couple of blobs in different places and then use a small piece of laminated card (there's inevitably some in the packaging from one component or another) to spread it thin. Of course, it takes forever as I try to get it perfect. I eventually give up and just use it
WTF you guys overcomplicate the whole process. One small blob in the center, put the cooler on it, move the cooler a little bit, fix the cooler. Spreading it thin is pretty useless work if you ask me. MX-3 is hard to apply.