The Official Thermal Interface Material thread

Ruru · Jan 12, 2024

Is there still any noticeable reason to switch from MX-4 to any other paste?

lexluthermiester · Jan 12, 2024

Chloefile said:
Is there still any noticeable reason to switch from MX-4 to any other paste?

No. Don't replace it until you run out. MX-4 is still excellent!

80-watt Hamster · Jan 12, 2024

Chloefile said:
Is there still any noticeable reason to switch from MX-4 to any other paste?

It seems to struggle in some bare die applications judging by the conversation here, but outside of that, no. One paste tends to perform much like another (broadly speaking), so if it works for you right now, stick with it.

For my part, I typically perform few enough applications for the tubes that come with coolers to mostly cover my needs. But next time I need to buy paste, it'll probably be back to AS5. Unless it's bare die, in which case I'll give 9750 or Kryosheet a go.

Ruru · Jan 12, 2024

80-watt Hamster said:
It seems to struggle in some bare die applications judging by the conversation here, but outside of that, no. One paste tends to perform much like another (broadly speaking), so if it works for you right now, sick with it.

For my part, I typically perform few enough applications for the tubes that come with coolers to mostly cover my needs. But next time I need to buy paste, it'll probably be back to AS5. Unless it's bare die, in which case I'll give 9750 or Kryosheet a go.

In fact I did a test, I repasted my GPU (6700 XT with a Morpheus II), for once manually spreading the paste instead of letting the cooler do the thing recuded the temps noticeably much.

Though I don't trust my testing fully as my cooler is a slightly modified one etc.

But if we talk about using MX-4 with CPUs, I suppose that it's still the paste I'd go for in the future?

Assimilator · Jan 12, 2024

Chloefile said:
In fact I did a test, I repasted my GPU (6700 XT with a Morpheus II), for once manually spreading the paste instead of letting the cooler do the thing recuded the temps noticeably much.

Using MX-4?

Ruru · Jan 12, 2024

Assimilator said:
Using MX-4?

Yup.

Macro Device · Jan 12, 2024

Paper receipts are not the best thermal interface material. I don't know how much crack my buddy did but he ended up using a said receipt as his TIM on the 13400F he recently bought and was really surprised about temperatures being a bit unpleasant.

In case you get too high make sure you eat the receipt and not the thermal paste.

Count von Schwalbe · Jan 12, 2024

Beginner Micro Device said:
Paper receipts are not the best thermal interface material. I don't know how much crack my buddy did but he ended up using a said receipt as his TIM on the 13400F he recently bought and was really surprised about temperatures being a bit unpleasant.

I suspect if it was soaked in a non-volitile oil, it wouldn't be the worst. Wouldn't recommend it though.

Beginner Micro Device said:
In case you get too high make sure you eat the receipt and not the thermal paste.

Eating thermal paste is an eating disorder.

Have you actually witnessed someone eating thermal paste? You seem quite adamant that it should not be eaten.

Assimilator · Jan 12, 2024

Count von Schwalbe said:
Have you actually witnessed someone eating thermal paste? You seem quite adamant that it should not be eaten.

They say that personal experience is the best teacher...

Ruru · Jan 12, 2024

Count von Schwalbe said:
Have you actually witnessed someone eating thermal paste? You seem quite adamant that it should not be eaten.

As a kid I used to taste different smelling soaps that does they taste as they smell (hey, I was under 10yo, forgive me for my stupidness!) but eating thermal paste? That's a new one.

freeagent · Jan 12, 2024

Too greasy no thanks

oiawshboiwsahnoidaws · Jan 12, 2024

Never do AS5 to mouth

Macro Device · Jan 12, 2024

Count von Schwalbe said:
Have you actually witnessed someone eating thermal paste?

Yes, and I know how hard it is to believe me but it wasn't me!

adilazimdegilx · Jan 12, 2024

Not the paste but about thermal pads... I wonder if you can chew them... like a gum...

Assimilator · Jan 12, 2024

Beginner Micro Device said:
Yes, and I know how hard it is to believe me but it wasn't me!

Macro Device · Jan 12, 2024

adilazimdegilx said:
Not the paste but about thermal pads... I wonder if you can chew them... like a gum...

Absolutely can but not for long.

lexluthermiester · Jan 14, 2024

adilazimdegilx said:
Not the paste but about thermal pads... I wonder if you can chew them... like a gum...

Really, don't do that..

A Computer Guy · Jan 17, 2024

I noticed the other day Corsair has a new paste XTM70 for a whopping $20. Any thoughts on this new paste? It seems the paste is so good that Corsair couldn't be bothered to print the specs on the box and the website has gone to complete dogs**t so can't get the specs there either.

lexluthermiester said:
I completely ignore those kinds of numbers as they are completely meaningless without a standardized system of comparison. The only thing I pay attention to is actual, real-world performance.

This is a good point.

68Olds · Jan 17, 2024

A Computer Guy said:
I noticed the other day Corsair has a new paste XTM70 for a whopping $20. Any thoughts on this new paste?

lexluthermiester · Jan 18, 2024

A Computer Guy said:
I noticed the other day Corsair has a new paste XTM70 for a whopping $20. Any thoughts on this new paste?

No idea. Should be at least decent. Corsair generally doesn't release crap.

Robits · Jan 22, 2024

In the end I bought Thermalright Heilos and so far the temperatures after a week are pretty good, with my 3900x undervolted to -0.0625 and Phanteks PH-TC14PE using the default OCCT CPU test at 21ºC ambient temperature the maximum temps I saw were 63ºC compared to 68ºC with the Arctic MX-6 (5 month old paste).

Ware · Jan 22, 2024

A Computer Guy said:
Corsair has a new paste XTM70 for a whopping $20. Any thoughts on this new paste?

I used it a couple months ago, instead of the usual mx4. I liked it. It works.
You only get 3 grams per tube. It's not super easy to spread.
It comes with a piece of plastic to spread it, and a stencil to make neat little triangles.
The stencil looked like a potential mess/waste, so I skipped it and just did a thin even layer.
I'm not sure how well it would spread if you tried the "dab in the middle and clamp it down" method, but maybe it's fine.
Is it any better than the TM30? IDK.
XTM70 isn't bad at all, but it does feel like corsair is simple taking as much as you are willing to pay.

Assimilator · Jan 23, 2024

Ware said:
XTM70 isn't bad at all, but it does feel like corsair is simple taking as much as you are willing to pay.

That has sadly been Corsair's operating procedure for a long time.

Veseleil · Jan 23, 2024

Ordered a conductonaut extreme for the 6900xt. Maybe I should try it first on the boxed 1060. :laugh:

Macro Device · Jan 23, 2024

Veseleil said:
the 6900xt.

How much does it "eat" and how far does it clock? Out-of-the-box values are interesting, too.

System Name	4K-gaming / media-PC
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 5800X / Intel Core i7-6700K
Motherboard	Asus ROG Crosshair VII Hero / Asus Z170-A
Cooling	Arctic Freezer 50 / Thermaltake Contac 21
Memory	32GB DDR4-3466 / 16GB DDR4-3000
Video Card(s)	RTX 3080 10GB / RX 6700 XT
Storage	3.3TB of SSDs / several small SSDs
Display(s)	Acer 27" 4K120 IPS + Lenovo 32" 4K60 IPS
Case	Corsair 4000D AF White / DeepCool CC560 WH
Audio Device(s)	Creative Omni BT speaker
Power Supply	EVGA G2 750W / Fractal ION Gold 550W
Mouse	Logitech MX518 / Logitech G400s
Keyboard	Roccat Vulcan 121 AIMO / NOS C450 Mini Pro
VR HMD	Oculus Rift CV1
Software	Windows 11 Pro / Windows 11 Pro
Benchmark Scores	They run Crysis

System Name	Office
Processor	Ryzen 5600G
Motherboard	ASUS B450M-A II
Cooling	be quiet! Shadow Rock LP
Memory	16GB Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-3200
Video Card(s)	Gigabyte RX 5600 XT
Storage	PNY CS1030 250GB, Crucial MX500 2TB
Display(s)	Dell S2719DGF
Case	Fractal Define 7 Compact
Power Supply	EVGA 550 G3
Mouse	Logitech M705 Marthon
Keyboard	Logitech G410
Software	Windows 10 Pro 22H2

System Name	4K-gaming / media-PC
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 5800X / Intel Core i7-6700K
Motherboard	Asus ROG Crosshair VII Hero / Asus Z170-A
Cooling	Arctic Freezer 50 / Thermaltake Contac 21
Memory	32GB DDR4-3466 / 16GB DDR4-3000
Video Card(s)	RTX 3080 10GB / RX 6700 XT
Storage	3.3TB of SSDs / several small SSDs
Display(s)	Acer 27" 4K120 IPS + Lenovo 32" 4K60 IPS
Case	Corsair 4000D AF White / DeepCool CC560 WH
Audio Device(s)	Creative Omni BT speaker
Power Supply	EVGA G2 750W / Fractal ION Gold 550W
Mouse	Logitech MX518 / Logitech G400s
Keyboard	Roccat Vulcan 121 AIMO / NOS C450 Mini Pro
VR HMD	Oculus Rift CV1
Software	Windows 11 Pro / Windows 11 Pro
Benchmark Scores	They run Crysis

System Name	Firelance.
Processor	Threadripper 3960X
Motherboard	ROG Strix TRX40-E Gaming
Cooling	IceGem 360 + 6x Arctic Cooling P12
Memory	8x 16GB Patriot Viper DDR4-3200 CL16
Video Card(s)	MSI GeForce RTX 4060 Ti Ventus 2X OC
Storage	2TB WD SN850X (boot), 4TB Crucial P3 (data)
Display(s)	3x AOC Q32E2N (32" 2560x1440 75Hz)
Case	Enthoo Pro II Server Edition (Closed Panel) + 6 fans
Power Supply	Fractal Design Ion+ 2 Platinum 760W
Mouse	Logitech G602
Keyboard	Razer Pro Type Ultra
Software	Windows 10 Professional x64

System Name	4K-gaming / media-PC
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 5800X / Intel Core i7-6700K
Motherboard	Asus ROG Crosshair VII Hero / Asus Z170-A
Cooling	Arctic Freezer 50 / Thermaltake Contac 21
Memory	32GB DDR4-3466 / 16GB DDR4-3000
Video Card(s)	RTX 3080 10GB / RX 6700 XT
Storage	3.3TB of SSDs / several small SSDs
Display(s)	Acer 27" 4K120 IPS + Lenovo 32" 4K60 IPS
Case	Corsair 4000D AF White / DeepCool CC560 WH
Audio Device(s)	Creative Omni BT speaker
Power Supply	EVGA G2 750W / Fractal ION Gold 550W
Mouse	Logitech MX518 / Logitech G400s
Keyboard	Roccat Vulcan 121 AIMO / NOS C450 Mini Pro
VR HMD	Oculus Rift CV1
Software	Windows 11 Pro / Windows 11 Pro
Benchmark Scores	They run Crysis

The Official Thermal Interface Material thread

Ruru

S.T.A.R.S.

lexluthermiester

80-watt Hamster

Ruru

S.T.A.R.S.

Assimilator

Ruru

S.T.A.R.S.

Macro Device

Count von Schwalbe

Moderator

Assimilator

Ruru

S.T.A.R.S.

freeagent

Moderator

oiawshboiwsahnoidaws

Macro Device

adilazimdegilx

Assimilator

Macro Device

lexluthermiester

A Computer Guy

68Olds

lexluthermiester

Robits

Ware

Assimilator

Veseleil

Macro Device

System Name	DLSS / YOLO-PC / FULLRETARD
Processor	i5-12400F / 10600KF / C2D E6750
Motherboard	Gigabyte B760M DS3H / Z490 Vision D / P5GC-MX/1333
Cooling	Laminar RM1 / Gammaxx 400 / 775 Box cooler
Memory	32 GB DDR4-3200 / 16 GB DDR4-3333 / 3 GB DDR2-700
Video Card(s)	RX 6700 XT / R9 380 2 GB / 9600 GT
Storage	A couple SSDs, m.2 NVMe included / 240 GB CX1 / 500 GB HDD
Display(s)	Compit HA2704 / MSi G2712 / non-existent
Case	Matrexx 55 / Junkyard special / non-existent
Audio Device(s)	Want loud, use headphones. Want quiet, use satellites.
Power Supply	Thermaltake 1000 W / Corsair CX650M / non-existent
Mouse	Don't disturb, cheese eating in progress...
Keyboard	Makes some noise. Probably onto something.
VR HMD	I live in real reality and don't need a virtual one.
Software	Windows 11 / 10 / 8

System Name	Work Computer \| Unfinished Computer
Processor	Core i7-6700 \| Ryzen 5 5600X
Motherboard	Dell Q170 \| Gigabyte Aorus Elite Wi-Fi
Cooling	A fan? \| Truly Custom Loop
Memory	4x4GB Crucial 2133 C17 \| 4x8GB Corsair Vengeance RGB 3600 C26
Video Card(s)	Dell Radeon R7 450 \| RTX 2080 Ti FE
Storage	Crucial BX500 2TB \| TBD
Display(s)	3x LG QHD 32" GSM5B96 \| TBD
Case	Dell \| Heavily Modified Phanteks P400
Power Supply	Dell TFX Non-standard \| EVGA BQ 650W
Mouse	Monster No-Name $7 Gaming Mouse\| TBD

Processor	AMD R7 5800X3D
Motherboard	Asus Crosshair VIII Dark Hero
Cooling	Thermalright Frozen Edge 360, 3x TL-B12 V2, 2x TL-B12 V1
Memory	2x8 G.Skill Trident Z Royal 3200C14, 2x8GB G.Skill Trident Z Black and White 3200 C14
Video Card(s)	Zotac 4070 Ti Trinity OC
Storage	WD SN850 1TB, SN850X 2TB, SN770 1TB
Display(s)	LG 50UP7100
Case	Fractal Torrent Compact
Audio Device(s)	JBL Bar 700
Power Supply	Seasonic Vertex GX-1000, Monster HDP1800
Mouse	Logitech G502 Hero
Keyboard	Logitech G213
VR HMD	Oculus 3
Software	Yes
Benchmark Scores	Yes

Processor	Ryzen 7 5800x3D
Motherboard	Gigabyte B550 Gaming X v2
Cooling	Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE
Memory	Corsair Vengeance LPX 2x32GB 3600Mhz C18
Video Card(s)	XFX RX 6800 XT Merc 319
Storage	Kingston KC2500 2TB NVMe + Crucial MX100 256GB + Samsung 860QVO 1TB + Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB HDD
Display(s)	Samsung CJG5 27" 144 Hz QHD
Case	Phanteks Eclipse P360A DRGB Black + 3x Thermalright TL-C12C-S ARGB
Audio Device(s)	Logitech X530 5.1 + Logitech G35 7.1 Headset
Power Supply	Cougar GEX850 80+ Gold
Mouse	Razer Viper 8K
Keyboard	Logitech G105

System Name	Still not a thread ripper but pretty good.
Processor	Ryzen 9 7950x, Thermal Grizzly AM5 Offset Mounting Kit, Thermal Grizzly Extreme Paste
Motherboard	ASRock B650 LiveMixer (BIOS/UEFI version P3.08, AGESA 1.2.0.2)
Cooling	EK-Quantum Velocity, EK-Quantum Reflection PC-O11, D5 PWM, EK-CoolStream PE 360, XSPC TX360
Memory	Micron DDR5-5600 ECC Unbuffered Memory (2 sticks, 64GB, MTC20C2085S1EC56BD1) + JONSBO NF-1
Video Card(s)	XFX Radeon RX 5700 & EK-Quantum Vector Radeon RX 5700 +XT & Backplate
Storage	Samsung 4TB 980 PRO, 2 x Optane 905p 1.5TB (striped), AMD Radeon RAMDisk
Display(s)	2 x 4K LG 27UL600-W (and HUANUO Dual Monitor Mount)
Case	Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic Black (original model)
Audio Device(s)	Corsair Commander Pro for Fans, RGB, & Temp Sensors (x4)
Power Supply	Corsair RM750x
Mouse	Logitech M575
Keyboard	Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2
Software	Windows 10 Professional (64bit)
Benchmark Scores	RIP Ryzen 9 5950x, ASRock X570 Taichi (v1.06), 128GB Micron DDR4-3200 ECC UDIMM (18ASF4G72AZ-3G2F1)

System Name	Gamer
Processor	Ryzen 7 5800X3D
Motherboard	Gigabyte X570 Aorus Elite WIFI
Cooling	Apogee XL, MCR360, MCP655, Micro-rez
Memory	2x16GB G.Skill DDR4-3600 CL16
Video Card(s)	Red Dragon RX 6800 XT
Storage	WD SN850 1TB & SN750 1TB
Display(s)	LG 32GK650F-B 32" 1440p 144Hz
Case	Rocketfish (Lian Li) e-ATX
Audio Device(s)	Harman Kardon HK695 2.1
Power Supply	Seasonic Focus GM-750
Mouse	HP Gaming wired
Keyboard	Logitech G110 wired
VR HMD	HP WMR 1440^2
Software	Win10 Pro 64bit

Processor	Intel i5-13600KF
Motherboard	ASRock Z790 PG Lightning
Cooling	NZXT Kraken 240
Memory	Corsair Vengeance DDR5 6400
Video Card(s)	XFX RX 7800 XT
Storage	Samsung 990 Pro 2 TB + Samsung 860 EVO 1TB
Display(s)	Dell S2721DGF 165Hz
Case	Fractal Meshify C
Power Supply	Seasonic Focus 750
Mouse	Logitech G502 HERO
Keyboard	Logitech G512

System Name	Purple Haze \| Vacuum Box
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D (-30 CO) \| Intel® Xeon® E3-1241 v3
Motherboard	MSI B450 Tomahawk Max \| Gigabyte GA-Z87X-UD5H
Cooling	Dark Rock 4 Pro, P14, P12, T30 case fans \| 212 Evo & P12 PWM PST x2, Arctic P14 & P12 case fans
Memory	32GB Ballistix (Micron E 19nm) CL16 @3733MHz \| 32GB HyperX Beast 2400MHz (XMP)
Video Card(s)	AMD 6900XTXH ASRock OC Formula & Phanteks T30x3 \| AMD 5700XT Sapphire Nitro+ & Arctic P12x2
Storage	ADATA SX8200 Pro 1TB, Toshiba P300 3TB x2 \| Kingston A400 120GB, Fanxiang S500 Pro 256GB
Display(s)	TCL C805 50" 2160p 144Hz VA miniLED, Mi 27" 1440p 165Hz IPS, AOC 24G2U 1080p 144Hz IPS
Case	Modded MS Industrial Titan II Pro RGB \| Heavily Modded Cooler Master Q500L
Audio Device(s)	Audient iD14 MKII, Adam Audio T8Vs, Bloody M550, HiFiMan HE400se, Tascam TM-80, DS4 v2
Power Supply	Rosewill Capstone 1000M \| Enermax Revolution X't 730W (both with P14 fans)
Mouse	Logitech G305, Bloody A91, Amazon basics, Logitech M187
Keyboard	Redragon K530, Bloody B930, Epomaker TH80 SE, BTC 9110
Software	W10 LTSC 21H2