Need help choosing a thermal paste.

[CyberneticTitan]

So I've come across three exceptional thermal pastes:

 

Arctic Silver 5

Noctua NT-H1

Arctic Cooling MX-4

 

Now the AS5 and the H1 are 10 dollars on NCIX CA, and the MX-4 is 15 dollars. Not sure if MX-4 is worth the extra 5 dollars but if you can convince me otherwise....

 

Now I do understand that AS5 has 'curing time' which is something like leaving the computer off for a set amount of time?

 

Please help me choose

[Sarcasm]

My *ahem* "special sauce"

 

 

At the end of the day though, does it really matter? They're close enough in terms of performance that I'd think your application of it would have more to do with temps. Pick whichever of the three is cheapest.

[Kayn]

Close your eyes and pick one. Any of them is a good choice.

[Langdon]

I'd  go for MX 4. $19 for 20g of it. http://www.ncix.ca/products/?sku=68288&promoid=1010

It's non-conductive and its performance is on par with Arctic Silver 5.

[ttam]

NT H1 has the best temperatures on tests.

 

Edit: Prolimatech PRO-PK3 is my current TIM and has been better than all other TIM's I've used.

[hehehehhehehehe]

I am currently using mx-4band it's been a great performer so far.

[SteepGnomeKing]

Unless your an extreme OC where every single C is important they will all be within 1-2 C of eachother.

 

For me I have Artic Silver 5 and am happy with it. Keeps my CPU under 70C (I7 on a laptop quad core HT at 3.2Ghz) and my GPU under 85 (core clock in signature)

[chaozbandit]

I have always used AS5 but have dabbled with IC Diamond a bit. With AS5, the curing time is (like anything else that needs curing) the period at which it is subject to high heat to get the compound to settle in and work effectively. Usually a couple hours stress testing (or folding@home) will do the trick, but keep an eye on initial temps to make sure there is good contact and such. You should see temps start to come down after a few hours after application.

[Blade of Grass]

There isn't really a huge difference in the performance, so I'd say go with whatever.