26 replies to this topic

[El_Capitan]

The best way to find a good new TIM is to see it ranking near the top in every review/comparison/roundup. You also need to look at how they test. If they're measuring load at stock or modest overclocks, and that fits your profile, then that's what you should look for. However, if you're looking for lower temps at overclocked CPU's, then you'll want to see those types of tests run instead.

Extreme Overclock Test Comparisons:
From February 16, 2012 (extreme overclock):
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1852/1/

From September 2011 (extreme overclock):
http://skinneelabs.com/2011-thermal-paste-review-comparison/2/

From February 2011 (extreme overclock):
http://forums.pureoverclock.com/showthread.php?14262-Thermal-Compounds-Roundup


High Overclock Test Comparisons:
Here's a small one from July 2011 (decent high overclock):
http://xsreviews.co.uk/reviews/coolers/thermal-grease-tim-round-up-six-times-the-grease/4/

Another one from 2011 (decent high overclock):
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/268354-29-thermal-compound-roundup-2011


Stock to Mild Overclock Test Comparisons
A couple of TIM are missing on this one, but a good roundup and the latest roundup I've seen (stock to mild overclocks) from October 2011:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Thermal-Compound-Roundup-October-2011/1396/5

A big one from June 2009 (mild overclock):
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=62&limit=1&limitstart=13

Here's one from March 2008 (mild overclock):
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=1&limit=1&limitstart=6


If you have a good link to one, let me know so I can add it to the list. I'll also try to sort/categorize them a bit better later (based on CPU overclock testing measures).

Edited by El_Capitan, 04 November 2012 - 09:23 AM.

[El_Capitan]

I've used Arctic Silver 5 for a long time, but the curing time and re-application made me switch. I pretty much use OCZ Freeze, and the Noctua NT-H1 as a back-up (from having the Noctua NH-D14 a long time ago), and sporadically use the Artic MX-4 (but just ordered two 4 grams for a good price). I'm glad to see those are typically at the top for high to extreme overclocked CPU's.

[Speedway]

I remember when that 80-way TIM Test was published Still one of my favs on IE! It is a little dated, but most of the top rated TIMs are still being used heavily today. I really liked that they went into depth on the application methods, since there are quite a few out there. I use Shin-Etsu G751 and love it! Before that I used Tuniq TX-2, great paste, but I found that it was a PITA to work with. Switched over to the Shin-Etsu because of how easy it flattens out with the pea method! Great idea for a thread though Capi

[Drdeath]

Here is a good one for you my friend Deton is building....


http://forums.pureov...mpounds-Roundup

[Crawlerz246]

am using IC compund right now, before used AS5 for a couple of years. haven't really seen an improvement (maybe 1C or so). I think I need a better HSF to really get any kind of measurable results. V8 blows (pardon the pun)

[Kuronin]

I've always used either AS5 or Ceramique. However, I was hoping there was some improvements.

I'm running a Phenom 2 X4 955 at around 800Mhz past stock, so I'm going to assume I'm running a high/medium level OC. What complicates the situation, is that the ambient temperature where I am (Florida) is comparatively high.

[El_Capitan]

I contacted the marketing director for Maingear to see if I could get samples to test out the Maingear Epic T1000 on my i7 2600K's using a Corsair H70, Phanteks PH-TC14PE, Noctua NH-D14, and a Swiftech Apogee HD with a custom watercooling solution.

I also inquired about there being a T1000 for a GPU line, since I'm willing to try a modification on a GPU using the T1000 solution for LGA 2011 CPU’s. Most likely on a GTX 560 Ti with a Swiftech MCW80 universal GPU block and a custom watercooling solution, first, then onto trying it on a GTX 680 or HD 7970 with a stock reference cooler if all goes well.

Here's to hoping I get some samples (otherwise it would be an expensive endeavor)!

[mikedosul]

I had used AS5 until I moved to Brazil. The highest quality I can get here is Thermaltake's TG1 and I have to say I really like it. I used it on my new 3820 build and it spread nice and smooth and provides great temps while OC'D with a Corsair A70. I threw some on my reference 5850 (I had AS5 on) just to see and dropped a solid 2C in Furmark.

[Waco]

TIM is TIM. I don't even keep track of what I use.

[Drdeath]

TIM is TIM. I don't even keep track of what I use.

DIFFERENCE between mediocrity and excellence!

[BluePanda]

DIFFERENCE between mediocrity and excellence!

Kinda like the difference between you and Waco!

LOL

[Drdeath]

Kinda like the difference between you and Waco!

LOL

You got it!... Wait? Which way?