What is the best thermal compound?

[speciealpha]

Can you also tell me why it is better? I want to know what to look for in thermal compound.

[Froggyy0]

Arctic Silver AS5 or IC Dimond Because they're both highly thermally conductive

[Ghost]

It performs better for reasons no-one but a thermal engineer could understand.

 

There's no point even attempting to explain. No offense.

 

Here you go: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Thermal-Compound-Roundup-February-2012/1490/5

 

Have fun going down the list.

[R4STABAN]

Coolabratory liquid metal stuff.

 

But it destroys your IHS and cooler.

 

Other than that htey're all pretty similar. I use MX-4 because it spreads nicely.

[DizZz]

Indigo Extreme is the best, but only by a degree. Check this benchmark out:

 

http://cdn.overclock.net/d/da/900x900px-LL-daff382e_Screenshot2013-02-07at11.43.19PM.jpeg

 

Removed Ad

—Glenwing

[Ghost]

Indigo Extreme is the best, but only by a degree. Check this benchmark out:

Please don't post adfly links on the forum...

[DizZz]

Please don't post adfly links on the forum...

 

Is it not allowed?

[KyonCoraeL]

There are several factors for a good thermal compound. Depending on what type of bond you want some thermal compounds require curing or harden like cement like Arctic Ceramique I think does this. They can also vary in consistency or viscosity. Everyone has their own preference for this. 

Hardware secrets has a great roundup article: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Thermal-Compound-Roundup-February-2012/1490/5

The thermal conductivity or thermal resistivity of the thermal paste controls how quickly heat can be transferred from the heat-spreader of the processor to the heatsink. In the article above you can see the differences between everything from chocolate to toothpaste, however it doesn't include my favorite which is IC Diamond 7 Carot. I like IC Diamond 7 Carot because it was easy to apply and as far as I recall performed slightly better than Arctic Silver 5.

Keep in mind that the margins for all these benchmarks are so small that even an improperly applied/installed heatsink may destroy any benefit. At the end of the day as long as you don't use chocolate you should be okay, It was the only compound worse than not having any at all.

 

EDIT: IC Diamond 7 carot was in this chart and it performed worse :(... Still my favorite.

Edited May 13, 2013 by KyonCoraeL

[Glenwing]

Is it not allowed?

 

Posting ads to get money are not allowed, no.

[Ghost]

Is it not allowed?

You're trying to make a profit... Figure it out.

[Ziron4]

I like the fact that mayonnnaise beats Noctua NT-H1  :D

[KyonCoraeL]

I bet the Noctua thermal paste is quieter.... somehow?

 

I like the fact that mayonnnaise beats Noctua NT-H1  :D

 

I thought it would be useful to add application instructions.

http://www.innovationcooling.com/applicationinstructions.htm

 

In the past 5 years, I have seen everyone go from whatever method they used to use to this rice grain application technique because:

1. It is easier to apply
2. It delivers consistent results
3. It is universally applicable to all thermal paste afaik.

[リチャード]

http://gyazo.com/4eb97b7896d6034f0d2e2f60d25a4634

 

haha, they tested mayonnaise, mustard, lip stick, chocolate and a lot of other crazy things.

 

I like it when people don't go 'balls to the wall' serious.

[Ghost]

 

I bet the Noctua thermal paste is quieter.... somehow?

 

 

I thought it would be useful to add application instructions.

http://www.innovationcooling.com/applicationinstructions.htm

 

In the past 5 years, I have seen everyone go from whatever method they used to use to this rice grain application technique because:

1. It is easier to apply
2. It delivers consistent results
3. It is universally applicable to all thermal paste afaik.

 

Arctic Silver recommends the line method for certain CPUs.

[KyonCoraeL]

I never knew that, Ghost. Thanks for the info.

[Iron_Man*22]

For those who want an Updated 2015 List, Here you go:

 

http://www.play3r.net/reviews/cooling/thermal-paste-comparison-2015-best-thermal-paste/4/

[toddleronebar]

get ic diamond, you can brag to everyone that you have 7 carrot diamond thermal compound and act like a baller. 

[shibbs]

I like my Tuniq TX-4 because it stays pliable and doesn't dry out nearly as fast as Arctic Silver does. It may get half a degree better, but I can't judge that properly.

[Ellis_D]

It performs better for reasons no-one but a thermal engineer could understand.

 

There's no point even attempting to explain. No offense.

 

Here you go: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Thermal-Compound-Roundup-February-2012/1490/5

 

Have fun going down the list.

Things that are better than Rosewill RCX-TC060PRO:

 

• Pink Lipstick
• Toothpaste
• Spray Oil
• Mayonaise
• Butter
• Cream Cheese
• Cream Cheese after 12 hours of use
• Mustard
• Diaper Ointment

lmfao.

[tomas710]

Can you also tell me why it is better? I want to know what to look for in thermal compound.

This is an article by der8auer, a record breaking overclocker. He did a great job and also recomends some thermal pastes for value, since the best ones can be quiet expensive

http://overclocking.guide/thermal-paste-roundup-2015-47-products-tested-with-air-cooling-and-liquid-nitrogen-ln2/6/