Thermal Paste: how much should I buy?

[windwhirl]

I'm planning to put my previous computer, a Core i3-4330 system, back into usage. The only thing I need to get is thermal paste, since I already have everything else.

I'm thinking of buying Arctic MX-4, since I heard and read only good things about it, but I'm not sure if I should buy 4 or 8 grams, since right now I'm only thinking of using it for the Core i3 now and maybe my current Ryzen system at some point in the future (I feel like the Wraith Stealth is more of a weak point than the thermal paste, tbh)

My only previous experience was little less than a decade ago and doesn't really count, since I'm not sure if the paste was of terrible quality (not to mention I don't even remember the amount that came with the syringe) or if it was the processor that was too hot all the time (a Prescott Celeron D)... and ever since I used whatever came bundled with the CPU... considering I don't really overclock (and on Ryzen I simply let the CPU as it is, only adjusting IF and RAM speed) that usually works fine, but I did clean up the i3 surface, so here I am...

It's not really that much money nor a lot of a difference (AR$1200 vs AR$1650; USD 12 vs USD 16.50) so that's not an issue, but I still don't want to buy the 8 grams option to use a quarter now and the let the rest of the paste expire before I use it again...

 

[Bones]

The smaller size (4 gram) is more than enough for just two applications of TIM.
Go with that, you should be set.

 

[FreedomEclipse]

I always go for the bigger tubes because Im always messing with stuff. Saves me having to constantly re-order it when i run out. If youre always messing with stuff too. Id suggest the same. Nothing worse that opening up a laptop or PC then finding out youre out of thermal paste and having to wait 3 or 4 days for new stock to arrive.

 

[windwhirl]

Thank you both for replying.

I'll think I'll go with 4 grams. I only plan on using it for the i3 and whatever remains I'll save it for whenever I need it again, since there are only two computers to consider here and not a lot of messing around with the processors.

One last question: how often would you change the thermal paste? I've been thinking somewhere around every 3 to 5 years would be fine (again, not a lot of overclocking going on here, so I don't think the paste will degrade too fast), but maybe I should change it more often?

 

[utilizedamplitude]

Thank you both for replying.

I'll think I'll go with 4 grams. I only plan on using it for the i3 and whatever remains I'll save it for whenever I need it again, since there are only two computers to consider here and not a lot of messing around with the processors.

One last question: how often would you change the thermal paste? I've been thinking somewhere around every 3 to 5 years would be fine (again, not a lot of overclocking going on here, so I don't think the paste will degrade too fast), but maybe I should change it more often?

Depends on the paste. 3 years should be fine in your application I know some people say every year but unless you're living on the edge I've never had to do it so often. If the paste isn't too runny it should last.

I've used Arctic Silver 5 for well over 5 years on some of my computers, that paste just keeps on going.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Thank you both for replying.

I'll think I'll go with 4 grams. I only plan on using it for the i3 and whatever remains I'll save it for whenever I need it again, since there are only two computers to consider here and not a lot of messing around with the processors.

One last question: how often would you change the thermal paste? I've been thinking somewhere around every 3 to 5 years would be fine (again, not a lot of overclocking going on here, so I don't think the paste will degrade too fast), but maybe I should change it more often?

That stuff is fine upto three years after which if it's strained it can dry out and crack it's seal, which will be very apparent, the CPU will throttle , won't be damaging though, but I would at least clean out it's case way sooner than 3-5 years.
I found between 0.3-0.7g to be adequate per install so 4gis plenty.

 

[basco]

i just repasted my 5960x and my 1080ti and did that with the 4gramm i used for maybe 4 times repasting.

i repaste every year+ but i am on an open bench setup

 

[John Naylor]

I wouldn't much worry about it for an I3 ..... and the smallest size is more than enough.

From a practical standpoint, it's hard to go wring with Shin Etsu G751 ... usually can be had for < $4 here in US. If ya wanna stock up, you can go here:

Thermal Grease G751 |

Shrinking die and increasing power demands continue to make the thermal solution a critical part of IC package design. Shin-Etsu […]

www.microsi.com

$3.95 https://www.performance-pcs.com/tim...tsu-g751-thermal-grease-0-5-gram-se-g751.html

Yoou culd pay twice as much for AS5 but in testing Shin Etsu ties AS5 in thermal performance. But AS5 takes weeks to cure and has capacitance issues ... both are noted on their own web site. Noe if I was saving money with AS5 I might be inclined to ignore the capacitance issues as it's not a big risk if you're careful. But zero risk is always better than small risk and with no advantages to offer, I can't see paying more.

You could also pay more for Thermal Grizzly, but why ? It's an i3

As for how often to change .... no set number. Here's our procedure.

1. Install TIM and cooler. set up system install OS install drivers.

2. Begin overclocking procedure by picking a starting OC and running P95 up to 85C for short burst then letting it return to room temperature. Rinse and repeat 3-4 times.

3. Use RoG Real bench to establish best stable OC (4 hour run).

4. Next day run RoG Real Bench 8 minute benchmark record max temps and scores during each of the 4 modules and calculate Delta T. This will serve as a benchmark for later testing

5. At 6 months, we'll run RoG Real Bench again and compare results ... if a significant increase is observed, one that it is felt worth the T & E, will change Thermal Paste.

My son just did a new build last month .... his old one was a Sandy Bridge 2600k. After 6 month, the 2600k temps dropped little over half degree .... the board failed after 2 years, was replaced and new paste applied with results within 0.2 of original. Remained there (within 0.1 - 0.2) till it was retired last month ... was 9 years old.... only upgrades were 2 GFX cards ending in a 1070.

 

[bobbybluz]

Unless you're swapping CPU's often the smaller size is fine. My personal favorite thermal compound at the moment is Gelid Extreme. It doesn't dry out over time, isn't capacitive like AS5 and is great for overclocking. I use Arctic MX-4 on my customers PC's but the Gelid on my own.

 

[Vayra86]

every 3 to 5 years would be fine (again, not a lot of overclocking going on here, so I don't think the paste will degrade too fast), but maybe I should change it more often?

For regular use? Never. Paste can last as long as the components usually do. Nobody recommends a change either. Why? A bond is a bond.

Far more important is keeping dust out, that is where you lose temps, and also from ambient temp changes. The rest? 99% irrelevant to your performance or temps. A good mount will remain so and when it doesn't, its usually time for upgrades.

I always cringe and laugh a little bit at the same time when I see these endless paste discussions... application, regular changes... its not car oil or science, guys. Come on