the interesting world of TIM

[scooter.jay]

I just wanted to ask the question as due to having little else to do but read endless amounts of reviews about new thermal compounds recently. None of which seems to compare to AS5 which has been a trusted friend for to long maybe. So is there a new kid on the block that everyone is using or is it preferred choice or does it not really make any difference. Also do understand not the most interesting subject:biggrin:

[Stocky]

People seem to be raving about this 'Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Compound' which is meant to be better than AS5 even when the AS5 has past the curing period. I don't know how this follows through though and haven't seen any proper tests.

Here's a linky where you can buy it and with more details: http://www.chilledpc.co.uk/shop/product_info.php?cPath=66&products_id=311

[scooter.jay]

thats one of the ones i had been looking at but without the ability to compare. is does look like they are better so may have to try some when i do my forum wars upgrade.

[Johnny Bravo]

TBH it's all much of a muchness I feel - and these massive temperature differences are largely unfeasible. The real performance breaker is the application of the product. So in many ways the compound that is easier to apply correctly will "perform" better.

[MonsterMunch]

Yea, I agree with Johnny B...

There is little difference between the top pastes, it mostly comes down to things like how flat the IHS is, if it's lapped & how much care you've taken applying the paste.

I have the following setup:

Q6600 - Lapped
D-Tek Fusion Block Lapped (with Quad Nozzle Kit)
PA120.2 c/w 2 Yates (push)
Laing DDC2

I have the following pastes that I have tried 2-3 times each during benching & swapping chips out etc:

AS3
AS5
MX-2
Shin-Etsu
Old Akasa Compound (came with an old Heatsink I used on my Barton)
Zalman Paste (came with the VF900cu)

The Shin Etsu followed by the Zalman & the AS3 were the worst, but there was only 1-2 deg between seatings with the MX-2, the AS5 & the Akasa... I know the Shin-Etsu is sposed to be the best thermally, but it's like trying to apply day old plaster... Dry & unworkable even if you warm it up first. It also has next to no compression which to me defeats the object cos it doesnt flatten out as you tighten the screws on the HS or waterblock, so if not applied perfectly it gives worse results than real cheapy paste... AVOID IMO

If anything I would say overall that the MX-2 was on average the best by about 1 deg & was the easiest to apply by a country mile... Has the consistency of whipped cream, whereas the AS5 & Akasa are similar to cold treacle

[maverik-sg1]

I use MX2 on single stage - would it be good enough for cascades at -100?

[scooter.jay]

I must admit i have become a bit of a dab hand at applying AS5 so you are not wrong about the application. Also for a 1deg difference nothing worth writing home about. I am happy enough to stick with AS5 nice to know its been tested by someone as information well worth having.:biggrin:

[Stocky]

After all the talk I'll be ordering MX-2 next, but I still have a back stash of AS5 to get through :biggrin:

[MonsterMunch]

Me too, i'm sticking with MX-2... As soon as anyone gets it back into stock...

They are now making a 12g tube as well apparently...


One good tip with the MX-2 is to not apply it too thin, I tried a few mounts with an ultra thin layer & temps were considerably higher than with a generously thin layer if you get what I mean :unsure:

[scooter.jay]

Well seems i was wrong dare i say it but TIM has actually generated quite a discussion i stand corrected.

[Cupra]

i find as5 easy to apply but i find mx-2's wetness alot easier so i use that now the Shin-Etsu is suppose to be the best if aplied correctly but i find it as goos as as5 not as good as mx-2

but as above the easier to apply correctly will be the better performer in 90% of applications so for that m x-2 all the way for me

also its non conductive so it can be used on gpu's ect when fitting a full cover block

[skull_fcuk]

I used to use Shin-Etsu, but i did find it a PITA to apply as it is just like day old plaster as MonsterMunch said. I then switched to Akasa Shin-Etsu Pads, which were a hell of a lot easier to apply, but have to be avoided due to the fact that if you try to remove a HSF from the CPU when it's cold, it'll want to take the CPU out the socket. SCARY! Just now i'm using Jetart Nano-Diamond Paste. It seems ok, and is very easy to apply, as it's got a lovely consistency. Not sure about comparable temps, but i at least know it won't bond to my CPU so thoroughly :p

[I.L.P]

I've found cool labs liquid pro to be amazing, just don't use it on aluminium, will weld your cooler to the CPU, massive temp differences compared to AS5, run out though so back on the AS5 for now.