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Best thermal pastes 2011?

Discussion in 'Overclocking, Cooling and Modding' started by hellokitty[hk], Apr 15, 2011.

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  1. Leeky PC Arsonist & Moderator

    I've used Zalman ZM-STG2 the last few times, purely because it comes in a bottle with a brush and makes applying it thinly and evenly very easy.

    I see in that 80 paste review it got an A, so good enough for me. :D

    I can't say I actually noticed any differences in temps between that and AS5 to be honest - Originally my PC had been overclocked after AS5 was applied, and then removed at some point to clean, and re-applied with this Zalman stuff, and then refitted. Temps seemed fine.

    I might try out this TX-4 as well, seems to be fairly well recommended verbally when I've spoken to people - I never did like applying the AS5, it just seemed overly messy somehow.

    EDIT: Mine is ZM-STG1 in fact, not ZM-STG2 as I first thought.
    Leeky, Apr 21, 2011
    #21

  2. captaincranky TechSpot Addict

    You just need to have considerable experience using single edge razor blades. After which, you'd much prefer it.
    captaincranky, Apr 21, 2011
    #22

  3. Tmagic650 TechSpot Ambassador

    I agree captaincranky,
    I use AS5 on all my builds. No muss no fuss...
    Tmagic650, Apr 21, 2011
    #23

  4. Leeky PC Arsonist & Moderator

    Thinks of ways in which I can gain considerable experience with razor blades... :haha:

    I've never really warmed to the idea of taking a metal cutting implement to a CPU face, and scraping it along it for some reason. lol.
    Leeky, Apr 21, 2011
    #24

  5. Tmagic650 TechSpot Ambassador

    A plastic bank or credit card works well too
    Tmagic650, Apr 21, 2011
    #25

  6. Leeky PC Arsonist & Moderator

    Thats what I've always used. :)
    Leeky, Apr 21, 2011
    #26

  7. hellokitty[hk] I'm a TechSpot Evangelist

    I've always wanted to try lapping...it looks so shiny.
    hellokitty[hk], Apr 21, 2011
    #27

  8. LinkedKube TechSpot Project Baby

    I've lapped all my cpu's

    Anyway, umm my vote goes for AS5. Although there are some others that are easier to apply in my own experience its still top tier. I have tried tx-4. Its pretty good too. Either would be fine in your case. The degree of difference shouldn't be a big issue if you're not overclocking a ton.
    LinkedKube, Apr 21, 2011
    #28

  9. captaincranky TechSpot Addict

    First you say;
    Then you say;
    Followed by this;
    The reason that it's a messy process, is because too much material sticks to a credit card.

    I told you how to do it; use a razor blade.

    Beyond that, I don't see where I could be held responsibly for another's difficulties with neuro-muscular control, or superstitions.

    A razor blade won't do any damage to the heat spreader when using it at an acute angle,spreading towards the acute angle. And the fineness of the razor's edge, gives the very thin coat of TIM that is desirable. If you stand there and dig the point in, that's just dumb, no excuses. In fact, a razor blade is actually stiffer than a credit card, hence you can produce a more even coating with it.

    Let's recap, shall we? You say you make a mess with it (AS-5). I tell you how to do it, then you tell me how you do it, as though that's correct. At the end of the day I assume I'll be branded argumentative.

    I've tried credit cards, they don';t work as well as a brand new single edge razor blade. They make a bigger mess. I like to keep a box of 100 around the house at all times. (Razor blades, not credit cards).
    captaincranky, Apr 21, 2011
    #29

  10. dividebyzero trainee n00b

    Channelling Charlie Sheen ?
    dividebyzero, Apr 21, 2011
    #30

  11. Leeky PC Arsonist & Moderator

    Each to their own.

    I said it was messy, not I make a mess with it, but thanks for your detailed analysis.
    Leeky, Apr 21, 2011
    #31

  12. hellokitty[hk] I'm a TechSpot Evangelist

    Hostile even.
    hellokitty[hk], Apr 21, 2011
    #32

  13. captaincranky TechSpot Addict

    No need, been there, done that.
    Hostile perhaps, IMO preferable to needy.
    captaincranky, Apr 21, 2011
    #33

  14. LinkedKube TechSpot Project Baby


    At least he didn't scold you for thinking its the material on a scratch off lottery ticket by using a coin to apply the thermal paste. Not that you did, but I know someone that mentioned the likeness between thermal paste and a lottery ticket.
    LinkedKube, Apr 21, 2011
    #34

  15. captaincranky TechSpot Addict

    Ya know, I suppose you could keep them shavins' and mix them with a little KY, in a "pinch". (Tip, don't use "KY Intense", unless you want the hardware monitors to go psycho). :rolleyes:
    captaincranky, Apr 21, 2011
    #35

  16. LinkedKube TechSpot Project Baby

    lmao I peed a little.
    LinkedKube, Apr 21, 2011
    #36

  17. fimbles TechSpot Guru

    OCZ freeze always gives me good results.
    fimbles, May 6, 2011
    #37

  18. freythman Newcomer, in training

    I'm sure the ever important decision has finally been made, but I'll throw in my 2 bits for AS5.
    freythman, May 6, 2011
    #38

  19. captaincranky TechSpot Addict

    Indeed! "Mr. Hamilton" has most likely, finally, left the building.
    captaincranky, May 6, 2011
    #39
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