Paying 50$ for TIM, for 1-2 degree less compared to a 12$ one.... the 12$ is a better buy. However, I do agree with you with the low end crap... but sometimes, it's not worth investing on a fancy TIM, when you know perfectly you'll be replacing the computer or the component in question, soon.
Too lazy, I just end up using Industrial Ceramic paste. I buy it in large amounts and apply it to almost everything. Admittedly I could get nicer TIM, but it's good value. Plus it's just a few degrees and I'm a lazy OC'er.
I pimped for Arctic silver 5 in the end. Will see how it goes when i get round to building my new machine.
LOL! TIM is part of a good breakfast (picture showing toast with TIM, orange juice, cereal bole, steak, eggs, bole of fruits, V8 drink, and a multi-vitamin pill.. the usual from all kids breakfast cereals commercials). They are GGRRRRRREEAAATT!
i just bought some IC7, dropped my temps by about 2-3c from AS5. It is a bit of a pain in the arse to spread but using the sink to spread it seems to work well enough.
IC Diamond is decent paste but is rather thick so requires a good push to get it out of the tube, don't bother trying to spread though, just bolt on your heatsink and it will do it for you.
