Thermal compound

[Lonyo]

Does anyone know the heat transfer of kinds of wax? I mean, if you melted wax then it would probably fill in the gaps between CPU/HS, and if you got a wax with a melting point above about 80c (175f), then wouldn't it be reasonably good for contact between hs and cput core? This would be assuming wax can transfer heat well.

 

[Jeff7181]

Those thermal pads that come on some heatsinks use wax to fill the valleys... wax doesn't conduct heat as good as say... silver, which is used in Arctic Silver 3.

 

[Richardito]

Wax is not very heat-conductive. Do a search and you will be able to compare the numbers with other compounds.

 

[Davegod]

wax is not very heat conductive at all, which is why thermal pads dont use it to transfer heat. Thermal pads are same as goop except goop uses an oil to contain the particles (ceramic, aluminium, silver, etc) whereas pads contain them in wax - so that it can be solid and not drip off the heatsink it's stuck to. Thermal pads melt ("phase change") to adapt to the heatsink base & cpu top; but its the particles within that do the heat-transfer, not the wax. Thermal pads are more reminiscent of chewing gum than a candle, partly because no parrafin and mostly because theyre mostly made from the same stuff goop oil is holding. pads are less effective than goop because some wax etc gets in the way; and because a lot of pads are very cheap stuff (notice some OEM goop is pretty crap too); plus the oil is a bit better interface anyway.

 

[bambam]

I have heard of people using metal suspension ( copper or aluminum ) automotive thread anti-sieze compound in lieu of the typical zinc oxide in silcone grease product . BTW I wonder if the zonce oxide containing in Desitin Diaper rash ointment would work ? ??

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

somewhat OT, but still regarding thermal compounds:
i just acquired some stuff called thermajic (or thermagic...dont have the tubes right in front of me atm) and have yet to test it out

i heard it reacts or something with copper...im still investigating for any truth behind this ...(havnt done much investigating yet lol...will start soon)