In your opinion, what is the BEST thermal grease (paste or T.I.M ) for air cooling?

[JPS]

I am getting ready to build a couple of new systems for clients and realized out am out of my old trusty Arctic Silver 5. The new systems will be E8400 driven and built around one of the DFI boards. All cooling will be on AIR and I suspect the NB and SB will each need some help as well.

Before I go order more thermal grease, thermal paste, T.I.M., or whatever you call it, I wanted to solicit feedback on what is the best option to use currently. Is my old trusty AS5 still king of the hill or is there a newer, more exotic material I should look at?

Thanks in advance for your opinions!

 

[tr1kstanc3]

I use AS5 but I hear MX-2 is also very good.

 

[RallyMaster]

Arctic Cooling MX-2?

 

[AmberClad]

It's not something I'd get too worked up about...I'm tried about 5 or 6 different types, with very little difference in results. It matters far more how good the cooler itself is, and also how you're applying the paste.

Btw, are you posting this on every hardware site's forum ?

 

[tr1kstanc3]

Originally posted by: RallyMaster
Arctic Cooling MX-2?

yup.

 

[Razorfist]

Arctic Silver 5 is still king.

I can't foresee this getting any better. It's ideal grease. Until they start building nano-computers into the grase to maneouvre itself into the best position for optimal conducting. Like Optimus Prime uses in HIS chips.

 

[killster1]

might want to ask which one lasts the longest.. altho not sure how much that matters it might dry up and loose effectiveness after a while (doubt you want to rip it apart to reapply paste in 2 years..)

 

[Cutthroat]

ICD7 is the best I've used.

 

[40sTheme]

I like Tuniq TX-2. It's better than the AC greases and holds moisture for a while. I've heard that the IC Diamond stuff recommended by Cutthroat is great too; and only a couple bucks more expensive.

 

[Quiksilver]

Innovation Cooling Diamond 7
Tuniq TX-2
Arctic Cooling MX-2
Arctic Silver 5

...are all some of the best TIM's on the market(I do feel like I'm missing 1 more though). I have personally used AC MX-2 and AS5, and can confirm that AC MX-2 is better than AS5. Madshrimps done an arcticle last year comparing most TIM's IIRC, TX-2 did the best, I don't think ICD7 was in the article though.

ICD7 is supposed to be the hardest to apply due the diamond powder stuff in it, but I think your supposed to warm it up in water before use to make it easier to apply.

 

[Munky]

Ahem...

AS5 is still one of the best, and that review didn't even give it time to cure.

 

[JPS]

After reading a ton of replies and doing some more online research, I am going with OCZ Freeze, unless I come across something that points to it having a corrosion potential with copper-based coolers.

 

[aigomorla]

Tim Consultants is the best ive used.

Its dirt cheap, performs the same as shin etsu. And its easy as hell to apply.

http://www.jab-tech.com/Tim-Co...0098-2.5g-pr-4130.html

 

[fromeo85]

MX-2 FTW

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: Cutthroat
ICD7 is the best I've used.

so true, i love it never will i use Arctic Silver 5

 

[MrToilet]

I've used Arctic Silver Ceramique for the past couple builds, and it works as well as AS5, in my experience. It's also easier to clean up, which is nice. Instead of needing 91% alcohol or something like that you can just use a pencil eraser...

And it's cheaper than AS5 - I just picked up a tube @ Radio Shack for $6.

 

[Serradifalco]

I use Antec Silver and as you can see from my sig, it gets the job done. I'm sure any reputable brand will get the job done. I initially used some silicone based grease that came with my cooler and it was terrible. The Antec Silver lowered my cpu temps by 8c.

 

[aigomorla]

just to let you guys know

cuz i think a lot of you guys dont know.

MX-2 = Shin Etsu.

Now reread my Post above.


Im usually one step ahead of most people on tihs forum when it comes to "Best".
Just try it out.

i would LOVE ICD7 only beef i have is that its the THICKEST and not to mention MOST difficult to apply on naked dies.

Otherwise i would love ICD7.

 

[taltamir]

MX-2 is a recent formula and it supposedly beats the arctic silver 5 (according to what i read)

 

[JPS]

Originally posted by: aigomorla
just to let you guys know

cuz i think a lot of you guys dont know.

MX-2 = Shin Etsu.

Now reread my Post above.

Correct me if I am wrong, but in your eyes, Tim Consultants = Shin Etsu = MX-2?

Which flavor of Shin Etsu are you referring to? Also, do you consider MX-2 = TX-2?

Have you tried OCZ Freeze yet? If so, where does that fit into your equation?

Lastly, what about copper corrosion? I have lapped all of my HSF bases IHS tops down to their copper cores and I do not want a funky reaction coming back to bite me or my clients in the a$$.

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: Cutthroat
ICD7 is the best I've used.

QFT... It kicks butt....

 

[Phynaz]

I have lapped all of my HSF bases IHS tops down to their copper cores and I do not want a funky reaction coming back to bit me or my clients in the a$$

Do your clients know you are voiding their warranties?

 

[JPS]

Originally posted by: Phynaz

I have lapped all of my HSF bases IHS tops down to their copper cores and I do not want a funky reaction coming back to bite me or my clients in the a$$

Do your clients know you are voiding their warranties?

Yes they do - they sign a waiver releasing me of any obligations and are fully aware of the stakes in lapping the IHS and HSF

 

[nyker96]

The absolute best? had to be TIM 0089, beats AS5 and Diamond 7 by quite a few degrees. But that stuff is quite expensive though, it's thick so you end up using it up quicker. I used about 5 types by now, pretty much nothing comes close to this, at least for CPUs and chipset, it's the best so far for me.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: JPS

Originally posted by: aigomorla
just to let you guys know

cuz i think a lot of you guys dont know.

MX-2 = Shin Etsu.

Now reread my Post above.

Correct me if I am wrong, but in your eyes, Tim Consultants = Shin Etsu = MX-2?

Which flavor of Shin Etsu are you referring to? Also, do you consider MX-2 = TX-2?

Have you tried OCZ Freeze yet? If so, where does that fit into your equation?

Lastly, what about copper corrosion? I have lapped all of my HSF bases IHS tops down to their copper cores and I do not want a funky reaction coming back to bite me or my clients in the a$$.

Your correct.

There all simular mixes. But the Tim Consultants just plays nicer. And it doesnt clump up when it gets cold either.

Ive tried, all the mixes of shin etsu, i even ordered it in bulk cuz i liked it so much.
Ive tried MX-2, TX-2, Zalman brush goop, ICD7, AS5, AS ceramic, TC.

What do i like the most? So far its TC, then followed by ICD7.

Now about corrosion. Your applying a copper sink on a copper ihs. Last time i checked that was okey even in water.