![]() ![]() Performance-wise, it’s slightly behind the Arctic MX-4 at the most demanding loads, but similar for less demanding loads. There’s no break-in period, and it’s even suitable for sub-zero cooling. It’s gray in color and the application is quick and painless with a basic syringe-based method. This is mainly because it’s a hybrid paste, an elite mixture made up of different micro-particles, enabling stellar heat dissipation without any conductivity issues. The NT-H1 has been around since 2007 but is still a firm favorite amongst enthusiasts and has definitely stood the test of time. Noctua doesn’t just do amazing coolers, but a high-quality paste too. Best Bang for the Buck Thermal Paste Noctua NT-H1 Honorable Mentions:īe quiet! DC1 – a similarly-priced paste with similar performance, but not as good all-round. They’ve reduced the environmental impact of their packaging by 40 %. On top of this, they’re carbon-footprint conscious, which is always welcome nowadays. Especially as less is definitely more with this paste. The 2019 version comes in a 4g tube, meaning you can use it on multiple processors if needed. Many MX-3 users complained that their mixture just wasn’t spreadable. This is also an improvement on its predecessor, the MX-3, as it is much less dense at 2.5g/cm³, making it much easier to spread evenly. The syringe method of delivery is very basic. This is ideal for beginner users as it’s hard to mess it up. Not many pastes make this promise.Īpplication is easy due to its smooth viscosity and the fact that it doesn’t need time to cure. The lifespan is incredibly long, 8 years according to the manufacturer. It’s also cheap, so there’s literally nothing to lose here. Temperatures only increased by a maximum of 1☌ under load when tested with the Arctic Cooling Freezer Xtreme cooler, an amazing result. The MX-4, by contrast, is made of carbon micro-particles, meaning it’s incredible at conducting heat despite not being metals-based, with a stellar 8.5 W/mK thermal conductivity. The Silver 5 has a high silver content and dries out much more quickly. It performs much better in benchmarks (around 2☌ better), lasts way longer, and is also non-conductive, making it much easier to apply. However, the newer MX-4 has definitely surpassed it. This is the best all-rounder by far, providing elite performance at a very cheap price.Īrctic’s Silver 5 paste used to be the most popular paste around, and every gamer was using it. The price has to be reasonable, but even more importantly, can you get more for your money elsewhere? Fortunately, you can get a good quality thermal paste very cheaply nowadays. We always bear the user purpose in mind, instead of just going for the highest specs. How We Choose Thermal Paste Features and PerformanceĪlthough specs are important, real-life testing is even better, for example, how easy it is to actually apply the paste in reality, and how it performs in benchmark tests. ![]() Generally low-end pastes only last 2 years before they need to be reapplied, whilst high-end pastes can last for around 8 years. Only experienced users should dabble with metal-based pastes. They can short-circuit or damage your processor if applied incorrectly, and probably void your warranty too. ![]() Metal-based pastes are also electrically-conductive, which is risky when dealing with electronics. Thicker pastes are generally harder to apply. Ease of installationĭifferent pastes have different viscosity, which changes how you apply them. Metal-based pastes are generally more effective at heat conduction, but also the most expensive.Ĭeramic-based pastes generally contain metal oxides, so aren’t as effective but are cheaper and more popular.Ĭarbon-based pastes can be as effective as metal-based pastes, and hybrids contain mixtures that combine the best of all worlds, making them the most expensive. There are many different types of thermal paste: ceramic-based, metal-based, carbon-based, and hybrids. Heat conduction largely depends on what the paste is made of. There are a few different features you’ve got to watch out for. What Makes a Good Thermal Paste?Ī thermal paste is applied between the CPU and the cooler ensuring there are absolutely no gaps between the two, maximizing heat transfer and keeping your processor cool. Read on to find the best current thermal pastes on the market. The paste it comes with is usually of poor quality and will bottleneck your performance, especially if you’ve bought a half-decent processor and are regularly overclocking.įortunately, excellent pastes are cheap nowadays, so there’s no need to break the bank. It’s often overlooked, but a quality thermal paste is essential for effective heat transfer that lasts long-term without drying or wearing out. Even the best coolers won’t save your processor from a poor thermal paste.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |