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Arctic MX-2 thermal paste vs Arctic silver 5

not necessarily, here in toronto the MX-2 is going for $6.50 a tube, and AS 5 is $8 (canada computers)

MX-2 is also better.

i've read that the Thermalright Cool Factor thermal paste that came with my Ultra-120E heatsink is even better than AS 5
 
I recently read a review/comparison of ~30 different thermal pastes using strict methods to ensure the results were meaningful. OCZ freeze came in at #2 behind a no name industrial product, so its really your best bet. AS5 performed noticably better than MX-2, and MX-2 came in at around rank 11 I believe. A lot of people will tell you that MX-2 is the way to go on these forums, because that's what everyone says. There isn't exactly strict standards here, its just opinions. When I read an article I take it with a grain of salt and I take into account the writing style and the methods used, and the one I read was pretty impressive so I'm inclined to trust it.

Also as the above poster noted the thermalright chill factor paste is excellent and ranked in the top 5 - they have chill factor 2 now as well which is apparently better.
 
Originally posted by: TidusZ
A lot of people will tell you that MX-2 is the way to go on these forums, because that's what everyone says. There isn't exactly strict standards here, its just opinions. When I read an article I take it with a grain of salt and I take into account the writing style and the methods used, and the one I read was pretty impressive so I'm inclined to trust it.
Click to expand...

OCZ Freeze is a good one. I'd also recommend the Tuniq TX-2.

Review 1: TX-2 vs OCZ Freeze
Review 2: TX-2 vs. OCZ Freeze
Review 3: MX-2 vs. TX-2 vs. IC7 vs. OCZ Freeze vs. G751
Review 4: MX-2 vs. TX-2 vs. AS5 on Q6600 @ 3.7ghz
Review 5: MX-2 vs. TX-2 vs. OCZ Freeze
Review 6: MX-2 vs. AS5 vs. TX2
33-Way TIM roundup

Considering TX-2 is non electrically conductive and requires no curing time, there is no reason to get AS5.
 
They are so close it really does not matter honestly. If a degree (or five!) matters in stability you are pushing your CPU way too far to be considered reliable in the long term.
 
Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
There is but it cost allot more and only offers a degree or 2 of difference.
Click to expand...

He means that there are options better than both but that they're overpriced and don't offer much.

MX-2 is slightly better.

 
Ruby's right. It doesn't really matter. I've used stock, AS5, Ceramique and the gloop that Thermalright supplied with a HR-05 NB heatsink. Haven't noticed any significant difference in the real world. You'd need to be testing your PC in very strict lab conditions to notice any difference between most TIMs, from what I've read. And if you do notice a difference, so what? How many more MHz of overclock will you get for that extra 1 or 2 degrees of extra cooling?

The only difference I've noticed is the ease of application. And for this, avoid Ceramique! The Thermalright stuff was good though. And that's what's currently on my CPU and NB cooler, and the CPU cooler of my AMD PC. And it was free! Result!
 
Speaking of thermal paste comparisons, I've heard (maybe this is bs) that AS5 will get worse after a year or so, and it should then be reapplied? Is this true? And if it is, what paste's are known to last quite long? I'm talking of about 2 years without needing to touch it.

Thanks,

Stern
 
Originally posted by: Stern
Speaking of thermal paste comparisons, I've heard (maybe this is bs) that AS5 will get worse after a year or so, and it should then be reapplied? Is this true? And if it is, what paste's are known to last quite long? I'm talking of about 2 years without needing to touch it.

Thanks,

Stern
Click to expand...

Diamonds are forever!
 
Originally posted by: Rudy Toody
Originally posted by: Stern
Speaking of thermal paste comparisons, I've heard (maybe this is bs) that AS5 will get worse after a year or so, and it should then be reapplied? Is this true? And if it is, what paste's are known to last quite long? I'm talking of about 2 years without needing to touch it.

Thanks,

Stern
Click to expand...

Diamonds are forever!
Click to expand...

Correct.

OCz Freeze v. MX-2 v. AS5 v. "Diamonds are forever" ?

OCZ freeze is $7.50 for the 3gram tube for me. I think I may go with that, good idea or bad? Should i choose mx-2 or as5 over it?
 
Diamonds are forever was a reference to IC Diamond 24 Carat TIM.

Go here. Get this.

IC Diamond 24 Carat provides 3-4C additional cooling over AS5 (see my earlier post for the links.)

It is non-conductive and has no electrolytic reactions to copper and aluminum.

You can also use it as a grinding compound for lapping.
 
Originally posted by: KingstonU
What compound does OCZ's Vendetta 2 come with? Is it Freeze? On the website it just says "generic thermal compound"
Click to expand...

Some generic silicone paste? If it was OCZ Freeze, I'm sure they would list it as such, being their own company's product.
 
Originally posted by: Rudy Toody
Diamonds are forever was a reference to IC Diamond 24 Carat TIM.
Click to expand...

Diamonds may be forever but the goop filling in the interstices isn't. Considering how much contact area there is involving case to goop to diamond particle to goop to diamond particle to goop to HSF, I would make the assertion that the goop is just as important as the particulate.

Rubycon is right. Pick a paste which is easy to apply and isn't reported to dry out over time, and you'll be fine
 
Having read all the good reports regarding MX-2 being the best I just had to try it out. I had been using AS5 and always do. Anyway for the past 52hrs I have been using and monitoring my cpu temps with MX-2 applied and guess what, no difference, so if AS5 is cheaper in your area I would get that. The only Caveat is, some say TP works better over time so maybe in a month or so it will get better but AS5 is supposed to behave the same way and I have never noticed any real improvement over time, it just works well from the get go. The other product I have used is Zalman Thermal Grease(ZM-STG1) which I found to be on a par with AS5 and although it is a bit more expensive it is a pleasure to apply as it comes with a little brush and you paint it on to both your cpu hsf and the coolers hsf, no measuring bb pellett(or grain of rice) amounts or twisting the cooler on the surface of the cpu. Just my 2 cents.
 
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