Ok, I know some people have been having bad luck with either the heat sink placement or bad thermal compound fittings.
 
I've never used thermal compounds outside of what was already put onto and done on a product that I've bought. So I have a few questions that could potentially be good advice to those who haven't done so already.
 
What would be the best recommendation for a thermal compound to use on the GPU for the GTX 480 or 470, and is it necassary to apply a custom compound instead of using the stock compound already on it?
 
Also what is the best method of applying the compound onto the GPU, and how does one go about curing it for the proper thermal dispersion?
 
Lastly, would you suggest ever changing the thermal compound after a certain number of months or year? How long does a tube of thermal compound last for before it goes bad?
 
I think these are important if they'll help others achieve less tempuratures at an affordable price.
 
Also if someone makes a good guide on it, I think I can smell a blue ribbon and a sticky. maybe =D 
Edit:
Ok so far we have:
*Arctic Silver Ceramique OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100009&cm_re=artic_silver-_-35-100-009-_-Product
*Arctic Silver CMQ-22G High-Density Ceramique based http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100012&cm_re=artic_silver-_-35-100-012-_-Product
*Arctic Cooling MX-2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186020&cm_re=arctic_cooling-_-35-186-020-_-Product
From recent researchings and finding I would recommend the Arctic Cooling and MX-2 for use. If you plan on using the card for a long time and don't plan on ever using or changing to an after merket cooler I would go with IC Diamond 7 karat beware as this product will end up being permanent after a long period of use, I guess within or after a year, but it is the best to use and the most expensive.

boredgunner

Loads of people recommend Arctic Silver Ceramique for video cards, since it's non-capacitive due to the lack of metal content.  The recommended technique is to put a tiny drop on the center of the GPU itself, and spread it out in a very thin layer.  GPUs require less thermal paste than CPUs.

+1.  I have used many different types of TIM on cards and my personal opinion is that you cannot go wrong with AS Ceramique.

Which one? This? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100009&cm_re=artic_silver-_-35-100-009-_-Product

Or this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100012&cm_re=artic_silver-_-35-100-012-_-Product

zschopf1

Which one? This? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100009&cm_re=artic_silver-_-35-100-009-_-Product

Or this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100012&cm_re=artic_silver-_-35-100-012-_-Product

4G of MX-2 only $6
http://www.petrastechshop.com/arcomxthco.html

Still need to cover the topic of whether or not it is necassary to apply the thermal paste to the GTX 480's and 470's. Also need to know what is the best way to apply the thermal compound as well as how to remove the stock compound without damaging anything.
 
I'll make a benchmark with Temps comparing stock and compound into a guide when I get a GTX 480 to cover the aspects of it. Hopefully it'll help a lot of people with their tempurature issues if it helps.

boredgunner

MX-2 = capacitive, metal content.  The GPU (and therefore the thermal paste) is surrounded by tons of wiring and other circuitry.  Better safe than sorry.  Choose Ceramique.

MX-2 Features:
• High Thermal Conductivity
• Low Thermal Resistance
• Non-Electrical Conductive
• Non-Capacitive
• Non-Curing
• Non-Corrosive
• No Bleeding
• Odorless

How tiny is tiny? =P   In size comparason as tiny possible like pixel tiny? or tiny as in 5*5 pixels? Best way for me to compare it really right now, gotta figure some sort of simple measurement.

I know I'm a pain. =P

man, you guys are playing with fire using a TIM's that conductive on your Brand New GPU card. You have _alls bigger than mine fiddling with something other that AS Ceramique.

Well, thanks for the info.  Cooler Master ThermalFusion 400 has the same problem.  It's like peanut butter, but offers great results.  Seems like MX-2 is the best.  OCZ Freeze performs slightly better (I've used both on the same cooler/CPU in the same weather), but people have encountered problems with long term use with OCZ Freeze.  Now that I think about it, I haven't changed my TIM for a long time, and the last one I used is OCZ Freeze.  

I am a ceramique fan.I always put a little on the block then rub it in real good with a coffee filter,then apply a very thin layer of it to gpu using a sandwich bag or plastic wrap on the tip of finger.

I think people blow things like this way out of proportion. MX-2 is non conductive, therefore safe to use (and seriously, how many people apply so much that it spills over?) Tons of people recommend the ceramique as well, but I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed with either. AS5, however, is conductive (and also far harder to clean off after it's been in use for awhile, it also has a "break in" period)

An extremely small amount is required for gpu's and generally the pressure from the heatsink being properly fastened will spread the compound enough on it's own. Most people will apply a small (think grain of rice as stated earlier) to the gpu and spread it thinly (using a plastic card like a credit card/hotel room key, but preferably something that can easily bend, you can also use a small plastic baggy over your finger and spread it that way) As long as there's a layer of compound across the entire gpu, you're good. Be wary of thermal pads on the memory and make sure that none are lost or fall off or anything when reassembling. 

I remember reading a lot about ASC back when i got a cooler for my 8800GT and people were saying that when it came time to remove the cooler it was actually ripping the chips right off the PCB.

zschopf1

By putting a little on the block you mean the heat sink? And then you apply some on the GPU? That seems controversal to the idea that you want a very thin layer of TIM. Since you're increasing the distance between the heatsink to the GPU with extra compound.

Yea water block or heat sink.It Works very well.It is how they tell you on their website for processors so I just do the same for blocks.Just make sure you rub everything off the heat sink with coffee filter.If you do it right it will just leave a dull appearance.

Has anyone applied any TIMs to their GTX 480's yet? Also have you tested stock to any of those compounds, ASC and MX-2?

What about the Tuniq TX-3 guys? I heard TX-4 is coming in early May.