Stock Intel HSF: How's the thermal compound?

[Comdrpopnfresh]

New i5 3570k just arrived. Can someone tell me if the stock thermal compound on the HSF is good? I have some AS5 (small tube) from 2006 that has sat idle for a few years (is stirring it with a toothpick sufficient?) and some Zerotherm ZT-100 (which I believe does not separate over time). Are either of these better than what Intel puts on their HSFs nowadays?

Not going to be heavily overclocking; I just want good temps at any settings (even stock or underclocked/volted).

Not opposed to buying new paste; but, if any of the three options in front of me are 90% as good as a new purchase, I'll probably be happy.

Just concerned that my ZT-100 is better than the Intel compound.... and that mayonnaise is better than the ZT-100 (http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/printpage/Thermal-Compound-Roundup-October-2011/1396)

 

[philipma1957]

the stock heatsinks work okay with stock compound.

 

[gpse]

intel thermal paste is very good, I would leave the stock thermal paste.

 

[Comdrpopnfresh]

intel thermal paste is very good, I would leave the stock thermal paste.

Good to hear. I was also happy to see this processor came with the copper-cored heatsink. Is the fan on these quiet/efficient? I've got a XIGMATEK HDT-S963 that may be compatible with 1155/H2 if I can find a bracket/mount set to buy. I've been happy with it on my C2D.

 

[Idontcare]

Check Test #1 vs Test #3 and #4, this tells you how decent the stock Intel TIM is.

AS5 would probably be worse.

 

[Charlie98]

I didn't have very good service out of AS5... I would go with the stock Intel TIM...

 

[Comdrpopnfresh]

Check Test #1 vs Test #3 and #4, this tells you how decent the stock Intel TIM is.

AS5 would probably be worse.

awesome- thanks. Good to see comparisons on a current high-end processor. Think mayo should be considered on that chart though.

 

[Vectronic]

Think mayo should be considered on that chart though.

Lots of things should be included, I'd love to see a DIY TIM performance list.

Vaseline
Silica Gel
Radiator Epoxy
LMP Solders (between 95 and 105C for instance)

All easy and cheap to find.

 

[Charlie98]

Lots of things should be included, I'd love to see a DIY TIM performance list.

Vaseline
Silica Gel
Radiator Epoxy
LMP Solders (between 95 and 105C for instance)

All easy and cheap to find.

JB Weld... :awe:

 

[el aye]

Check Test #1 vs Test #3 and #4, this tells you how decent the stock Intel TIM is.

AS5 would probably be worse.

It's been a long time since I've really compared thermal compounds. This is an enlightening chart and most definitely has changed my immediate cleaning of stock HSFs if I use them.