Most system builders get wrapped up researching prices and reviews for all of the major components that go into our rigs. But what about that universal binding agent that is the absolute constant?
Thermal compounds are one of the most important 'parts' of a computer. It binds all of the cooling mechanisms to your major components (CPU, GPU/s, north and south bridges). Some will argue that the $70 CPU cooler you just purchased is only as good as the thermal properties of the compound you use. I agree.
For the system builder that is only interested in a simple desktop, the stock thermal pad provided on the stock OEM heatsink fan will most likely be sufficient. I call it a pad because that is just what it is, at least on initial appearance. Keep in mind that this pad eventually melts as your computer processor heats up. As it melts, it begins to fill the small gaps and valleys between the processor and cooling mechanism. Over a short period of time, the thermal pad will re-solidify through constant heat (it will re-solidify or cure faster if the component is under constant load), binding the two components.
For those computer geeks that plan to squeeze every ounce of performance out of their systems by means of overclocking, heat, or rather its dissipation, becomes a concern. This is where aftermarket thermal compounds begin their role.
There are several varieties of thermal compounds - but to simplify, they ALL contain some type of thermally conductive filler. The difference in the major types of compounds: some are pure electrical insulators (ceramic, neither conductive nor capacitive) and some contain high densities of metal particles (silver). Make sure you choose the proper compound for your application.
Here is yet another great review for the Tuniq-TX2 thermal compound. It has consistently out-performed the other major brands (ie. Arctic Silver, Arctic Cooling) in the reviews I've come across.
Source: OverclockersClub
Tuniq-TX2 Product Page
Thermal compounds are one of the most important 'parts' of a computer. It binds all of the cooling mechanisms to your major components (CPU, GPU/s, north and south bridges). Some will argue that the $70 CPU cooler you just purchased is only as good as the thermal properties of the compound you use. I agree.
For the system builder that is only interested in a simple desktop, the stock thermal pad provided on the stock OEM heatsink fan will most likely be sufficient. I call it a pad because that is just what it is, at least on initial appearance. Keep in mind that this pad eventually melts as your computer processor heats up. As it melts, it begins to fill the small gaps and valleys between the processor and cooling mechanism. Over a short period of time, the thermal pad will re-solidify through constant heat (it will re-solidify or cure faster if the component is under constant load), binding the two components.
For those computer geeks that plan to squeeze every ounce of performance out of their systems by means of overclocking, heat, or rather its dissipation, becomes a concern. This is where aftermarket thermal compounds begin their role.
There are several varieties of thermal compounds - but to simplify, they ALL contain some type of thermally conductive filler. The difference in the major types of compounds: some are pure electrical insulators (ceramic, neither conductive nor capacitive) and some contain high densities of metal particles (silver). Make sure you choose the proper compound for your application.
Here is yet another great review for the Tuniq-TX2 thermal compound. It has consistently out-performed the other major brands (ie. Arctic Silver, Arctic Cooling) in the reviews I've come across.
Quote:
| With today's processors running so hot, it's imperative that overclockers have the best thermal compound applied to their processors. Without a direct connection between the processor and the heatsink, your temperatures would be much higher. So in order to ensure the best direct connection, we need the best thermal compound available. Most overclockers have heard of Artic Cooling MX-2 and the wonders it works when applied to processors. There has to be something better out there, doesn't there? Who would we look to first? How about a manufacturer of one of the best heatsinks available? Tuniq, world renown for its heatsinks, has released its all new TX-2 high performance thermal grease. Let's see if this Tuniq TX-2 high performance thermal grease can prove itself when pushed to the limit and how it holds up when facing off against relentless competition. Will the TX-2 come out on top? Can it knock off the reigning Artic Cooling MX-2? Installing Tuniq TX-2 is very similar to other thermal compounds. First, power down your machine, unplug your power supply, and take off the side panel of your case. Remove your heatsink and set it aside. Thoroughly clean the processor and heatsink so that there is no remaining thermal compound. I always use 90% alcohol and a Q-Tip to clean the processor and heastink. After both are clean, you can apply TX-2 in a number of ways. You can apply a pea-sized dot in the middle of the processor, draw a line, or spread TX-2 on the processor. Personally, I put a pea-sized dot in the middle of my processor and seated my heatsink on the processor. I then rotated the heatsink a few degrees in each direction to help spread the TX-2. Once you have applied the TX-2 and your heatsink is securely attached, plug in your power supply and turn on your computer.   Conclusion: A few degrees less for a few dollars less is how I would sum up Tuniq's TX-2 high performance thermal grease. It performed the best in all of the tests by a few degrees. A few degrees is significant to overclockers because we need to keep our temperatures down as low as possible to be able to overclock the furthest. Also, this TX-2 is a couple of dollars cheaper than Artic Cooling MX-2 and it performs better! Installing the TX-2 was very simple to do and if you've ever installed thermal compound before, you'll have no problem installing this. If you want a few degrees less for a few dollars less than the leading competitors, you definitely need to purchase some of Tuniq's TX-2 high performance thermal grease. Pros:
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Tuniq-TX2 Product Page
