I used the default NT-H1 for my Noctua NH-D14 cooler. A 960T unlocked to six cores levels out at 37 C under 100% load (Prime95). I suppose that is good.
Diamond IC got me about 2C better temps than AS5 under load. And they cost about the same now. To some people 2C is nothing, but to others it is a decent jump. Regardless of what reviews say, this is personal experience which trumps any review site.
Yeah, and where did I mention Arctic Silver 5? That paste is pretty much a laughing stock today. It requires a setting time before it can perform like intended, is overpriced, and underperforming. Even the TX-2 I just mentioned is consistently better.
You should focus on things you are more informed on. 2-3C is a BIG deal to some people, and better compound really shines in high-ambient temp applications and high-load scenarios.
Take a cooler that gives you 2-3C better cooling, add a premium fan that also provides 2-3C, and some better compound that also saves 2-3C. Thats a HUGE temp difference.
You are also making (incorrect) broad generalizations as well. Better compound on low-power CPUs will matter less vs. higher-TDP chips. For those running power-hungry CPUs, every degree cooler you can get is important.
I can spend an extra $40 on better fans/HS to get the same temp gains I get from spending an extra $5 on compound. Pretty much a no-brainer.
And the difference between TX-2 and Shin Etsu or Diamond IC is, at most, 1C. Unless you're a moron or have more money than brains you'll go for the TX-2 or Arctic Cooling MX-2.
You should focus on reading. Tuniq TX-2 gives you lower temps than AS5 AND costs less AND doesn't require a curing time.
And the difference between TX-2 and Shin Etsu or Diamond IC is, at most, 1C. Unless you're a moron or have more money than brains you'll go for the TX-2 or Arctic Cooling MX-2.
So spending $3-$5 more for Diamond IC to save 1C-2C is being a moron?
So spending $3-$5 more for Diamond IC to save 1C-2C is being a moron?
He doesn't get it.
Small gains add-up. Cooler temps and a quiter setup are always better, especially when they are almost free.
You won't be saving 2C. You pulled that out of nowhere. Typical difference is 0.5C, with the biggest being 1C. That, and proper application of the paste will make more difference anyway.
Here's a good review of some of the best TIMs out: http://skinneelabs.com/2011-tim-results/2/
I pulled it out of nowhere? So my personal experience means nothing? So what I see with my own eyes is not as legit as some hardware review site? Whatever.
1C-2C cooler for $2-$3 is something most people would take in a second. Short money.
And yes, this is all assuming that we have proper application of the paste.
I pulled it out of nowhere? So my personal experience means nothing? So what I see with my own eyes is not as legit as some hardware review site? Whatever.
1C-2C cooler for $2-$3 is something most people would take in a second. Short money.
And yes, this is all assuming that we have proper application of the paste.
I've used IC7 in the past and while it's a great TIM, it leaves a stain on the heatsink and cpu
Here's a good review of some of the best TIMs out: http://skinneelabs.com/2011-tim-results/2/
In almost every situation, doesn't the temperature savings convert over to a decibel/loudness savings?
So if you save 1C, you could convert that to 1dB or whatever softer fans?
Or are people running their system so on-the-edge that 1C is the difference between stability and instability? I've always run my system where I could increase the fan a bit to bring temps down more if I wanted, but I prefer the quiet running. So for me 1C better or worse just means I get a bit more or less fan noise. But when i say fan noise, I mean the soft whisperings that are barely audible when idle.