Replacing GPU thermal paste?

[Bit8xPr0]

So the time is near where I build close to what my dream PC is. Of course new graphics cards have came out and I can't afford those, *okay I can but I just got a 1080P 144HZ monitor so I think dual 290's will work* some of my questions are, what thermal paste is the best, which application method is the best, what are some good thermal pads in case mine are bad. What kind of temp decreases can I expect on a dual fan card?

[vorticalbox]

normally the one on the card is fine, I recently changed mine on my 7770 to mx-4 but it's a monster old and I was cleaning it anyway.

[Oshino Shinobu]

You can expect a couple of degrees difference at most. It's really not worth taking the cooler off just to change thermal paste. The difference between mayo and most TIM is only a few degrees. 

[Enderman]

MX-4 is great, apply same as CPU bit a bit more, and EK and alphacool make thermal pads, just make sure you get the correct thickness.

[MoonlightSylv]

Why not dual 390s or 480s?

[typographie]

Beware that some manufacturers have a sticker covering one of the card's screws that you have to destroy to remove the cooler. Doing so voids the card's warranty. If this is something you want to do, I'd recommend trying to find cards that do not attempt to stop you from removing the cooler. I think EVGA tends to allow it. I don't know what AMD brands do, though.

 

If the video card is really old, and it's having otherwise inexplicable problems with heat, new thermal compound might be worth trying. I don't think it's worth the effort for new cards.

[Bit8xPr0]

23 minutes ago, ShadowTechXTS said:

Why not dual 390s or 480s?

back when I was rocking my FX 6300 and GTX 560 TI my uncle bought me a XFX R9 290 for free, that was like two years or so ago. If I was using all new parts I'd probably go 1070 or whatever comes above the RX 480 on AMD's side.

[Bit8xPr0]

31 minutes ago, Oshino Shinobu said:

You can expect a couple of degrees difference at most. It's really not worth taking the cooler off just to change thermal paste. The difference between mayo and most TIM is only a few degrees. 

Isn't it only like a 30 minute at most process?