Arctic MX-4 or Prolimatech PK-1?

[dkm777]

So, my tube of Arctic MX-4 has almost run out and it's time to buy some new thermal paste. I have been using Arctic MX series for a few years now and couldn't be happier about the longevity. The only times I had to reapply it was when removing heatsinks for thorough cleaning, replacing them or rebuilding a PC, but never because of diminishing cooling performance. I read the reviews and they say that PK-1 is better than Arctic stuff but nobody can say how long will an application last. So I come here to ask about the longevity of PK-1 - is it comparable to Arctic MX or will I have to replace it every year or so? Because that's one of the things I hate. I can sacrifice a degree or two in temperature, but I can't stand having to remove the cooler because the paste has dried out and turned into chewing gum. Oh, and I almost forgot - MX-4 and PK-1 cost about the same per gram in my country.

 

[lehtv]

Doesn't really matter. Thermal paste isn't really something you should spend more than about 10 seconds choosing

 

[Blain]

I read the reviews and they say that PK-1 is better than Arctic stuff but nobody can say how long will an application last. So I come here to ask about the longevity of PK-1 - is it comparable to Arctic MX or will I have to replace it every year or so?
Because that's one of the things I hate.

How many years do you run the same CPU/HS combo?

 

[MrK6]

I use MX4, but they're both fine. TIM is 90% application and 10% substance. Also, almost every modern TIM is fine for at least 5 years of application.

 

[WhoBeDaPlaya]

How many years do you run the same CPU/HS combo?

Err... I've been running a Xigmatek Dark Knight + i7 920 for 3 years now...

 

[lehtv]

And I've been running Scythe Mugen 2 + i7-920 for about 2 years, using thermalright CF2. No change in temperatures in that time, and I wouldn't expect any change in several years

 

[know of fence]

I've yet to see a review that attempts to measure thermal conductivity/resistance or try to make any statements about longevity. It's just a sad state of techno-fluff affairs.

Even if it's not important it's still an interesting market selling stuff up to 1/10th the price of gold.

 

[blastingcap]

So, my tube of Arctic MX-4 has almost run out and it's time to buy some new thermal paste. I have been using Arctic MX series for a few years now and couldn't be happier about the longevity. The only times I had to reapply it was when removing heatsinks for thorough cleaning, replacing them or rebuilding a PC, but never because of diminishing cooling performance. I read the reviews and they say that PK-1 is better than Arctic stuff but nobody can say how long will an application last. So I come here to ask about the longevity of PK-1 - is it comparable to Arctic MX or will I have to replace it every year or so? Because that's one of the things I hate. I can sacrifice a degree or two in temperature, but I can't stand having to remove the cooler because the paste has dried out and turned into chewing gum. Oh, and I almost forgot - MX-4 and PK-1 cost about the same per gram in my country.

Either one should be fine (PK-1 is technically better but not by a large amount), and I haven't heard of longevity problems (i.e., premature dry-out) about either one.

 

[PCTC2]

I use MX4, but they're both fine. TIM is 90% application and 10% substance. Also, almost every modern TIM is fine for at least 5 years of application.

I've used everything from el-cheapo comes-in-a-plastic-squeeze-tube thermal paste up to everything from Shin-Etsu, Arctic Silver, and many others. TBH, I never really noticed a difference EXCEPT when I apply it horribly. I pulled off an HSF the other day and you would've thought that the previous application was done by a baker applying frosting to a cake... it was liberal to say the least. Yet the temperatures weren't so unbearable that I didn't pull off the HSF for months.

The only times I would say you should pay attention to paste is
1) You need an adhesive thermal paste
2) You are going to be doing sub-ambient cooling
3) You are going to be putting the system under stress continuously (24/7 operation).

Hell, I just used a tube of AS5 that's at least a year old and hasn't had a cap. It was partially dried out (thicker than normal). I applied it and my Core i7 idles at 40C and loads around 70C. Not the greatest, but not the worst. :shrug

 

[dkm777]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I'll continue using the tried and true MX-4, since PK-1 is sold only by a mail order company and I want to deal with them as little as possible.

 

[aigomorla]

My order of favorates

PK-1 > MX-2 > MX-4

i prefer the og MX-2... its consistancy was great and excellent meaning a very good distribution along the IHS for contact, and relatively easy to reproduce results.

The last part is the most important for me.

PK-1 is the best, however its also the most painful to aquire as its only by mail, and 75% of the time its sold out...

 

[billyb0b]

I'm running MX-2 and Mx-4 on several builds and have been happy with both. Never tried PK-1, but I hear good things about it.

 

[Cookie Monster]

PK-3

 

[dkm777]

PK-3

Isn't it supposed to be very thick? I had the (dis-)pleasure of working with a very thick paste - Thermalright Chill Factor III. I forgot how many times I spat and cursed because I just couldn't apply it properly. The one time I did succeed it performed marvelously, but the effort just wasn't worth it.