TIM "break in" period

[core2slow]

How long does it take (in hrs?) for most TIMs to reach their optimal thermal conductivity level? I know it varies from metal based, to silicon based, etc, but on average, how long does it take for my temp to drop to their normal operating level?

Charts would help greatly!:thumbsup:

 

[Zepper]

There was a nice mass-test of TIMs recently (there is a thread here with a link) but they failed to do a long-term burn-in test (just one of their protocol flaws) so it probably wouldn't be that helpful for you. You only get a few degrees C from it in any case. Anyway, the only TIM that specifically requires a long burn-in (AS-5 at up to 200 hrs.) has been eclipsed (granted only slightly eclipsed) by several others that need no burn-in and which are easier to apply and remove as well. If I didn't have so much decent goop around here already, I'd buy some Arctic Cooling MX-2 or Tuniq TX-2 and be done with it. Link to Huge TIM roundup thread.

.bh.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

I still use AS5 cause I have a bunch of it and I've literally seen 5C drops from in usually in about 24-36 hours, I've never really accurately measured over a period as long as 200hours but, given my dry climate it would make sense that it would set-up a lot faster here.

 

[core2slow]

thanks guys.

Reason that im asking is that i have TX-1 on mine and was considering if i should go through the hassle of taking my mobo back out, wipe away the TX-1 and put in some TX-2 or AS5. If the difference is negligable in the long run, then i might just keep the TX-1.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

probably not worth it, just do it in a year or so when ur current TIM gets old

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Yeah, you'd see 2C drops, maximum.