Investing in a good thermal paste is worth it. You can probably see a 3-5degree C difference between a good thermal paste and a standard one. (When i say good i mean AS5)
http://youtu.be/-hNgFNH7zhQ shows how different application methods work out
Nothing should cost more than 15 dollars except indigo Xtreme. I heard many good things about it and seems like it is actually the best performer.
Anyone can confirm this?