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Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14

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dukenuke88
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2012/03/19 09:22:36 (permalink)
So what is the best CPU thermal paste to pair with my Noctua NH-D14?  And before you ask, no I don't have the stock NT-H1 that came with it
 
Arctic MX2
Arctic MX4
Arctic Silver 5
Noctua NT-H1
Shin Etsu
 
Those are some that pop into my head.  But I am not too educated on which one is the best performing.  This will be going with my Noctua NH-D14, which isn't direct copper pipe contact.  Not sure if that will make any difference in which TIM I choose?  Please remember, this will be going into a CPU COOLER, not GPU cooler or waterblock.  NOCTUA NH-D14 CPU COOLER 
 
So anyway, whats the best one out there?  Or does it even matter and I'm just splitting hairs?  Or just stick with the old trusted Arctic Silver 5?
post edited by dukenuke88 - 2012/03/19 09:30:50
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    boredgunner
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 09:27:44 (permalink)
    I have experience with AC MX-2, MX-4, and AS5.  AS5 is electrically capacitive, requires a curing time, and is the worst performer of the three.  MX-2 and MX-2 are rather thin which is ideal for flat surfaces, like your NH-D14, plus they require no cure time and perform well.  MX-4 gave me a 2-3 degree improvement over MX-2 across the cores, so that's what I'd use.


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    aka_STEVE_b
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 09:30:40 (permalink)
    MX2  & MX4  are good for flat..... always done good for me.

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    KenMcC
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 11:06:54 (permalink)

    KenMcC
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 13:27:44 (permalink)
    Looking at the results from the link, I like how the bottom bar-graph doesn't show IC 24k Diamond (34 deg C difference), or cream cheese (40 deg C difference), but it's listed at the top in the table.    Though, the data is very informative and useful.

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 13:36:01 (permalink)
    Too my knowledge IC diamond 7k and 24k is the same paste, just different amounts.
    Also the method of application is just as important as the compound use. Small Pea drop in the center and use the heatsink to spread it. Don't spread it with your finger or a credit card.

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 15:21:14 (permalink)
    To zzDarkwingDuck,
     
    looking at the data from that link, assuming it's true, there's a 1.0 deg C differences between IC 7k (35 deg C) and IC 24k (34 deg C).  Don't get me wrong.  My intent is not to sound like an IC-fanboy.  I'm only pointing out that the bar-graph below doesn't show all the data from the table above.  Those two diagrams basically act as proof, backing up the author's conclusion.  On the other hand, I will agree with you.  The application of the TIM is very important.  The small pea drop is probably one of the best ways to apply it for maximum results.

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    loveha
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 15:27:43 (permalink)
    Hawaiiboi808

    To zzDarkwingDuck,

    looking at the data from that link, assuming it's true, there's a 1.0 deg C differences between IC 7k (35 deg C) and IC 24k (34 deg C).  Don't get me wrong.  My intent is not to sound like an IC-fanboy.  I'm only pointing out that the bar-graph below doesn't show all the data from the table above.  Those two diagrams basically act as proof, backing up the author's conclusion.  On the other hand, I will agree with you.  The application of the TIM is very important.  The small pea drop is probably one of the best ways to apply it for maximum results.

    7K and 24K are the same, it's how they denote the size of the tube. There will always be a variable in temps when using the same TIM in multiple tests. Why they tested both is beyond me.

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 16:01:02 (permalink)
    I like what the guy in this video has done with cleaning, laying down a preliminary layer, cleaning (so you have a smooth surface) and final application. and the use of credit card device for smoothing.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phzn8MPaDtQ&feature=related
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 17:22:59 (permalink)
    Pk1 is way to go for me
     
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 19:12:58 (permalink)
    KenMcC

    Here are real tests, with real results. 
    http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Thermal-Compound-Roundup-February-2012/1490/5 


     
    thanks for the link.
     
    judging by that graph, it looks like arctic silver 5 still kills the competition?  i still have some left from a previous build...should I even consider anything else?  with the only downfall of AS5 being long cure time and very thick paste (like boredgunner said)
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    XrayMan
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 19:16:55 (permalink)
     
    Shin Etsu is pretty good. That's what I'm using.

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 20:37:07 (permalink)
    i think that all those you listed are good choice...if you got left of AS5 i would use that...it's not electrically conductive and really good!!
     

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 20:42:03 (permalink)
    malVizio

    i think that all those you listed are good choice...if you got left of AS5 i would use that...it's not electrically conductive and really good!!


    So your saying if I make a line of AS5 and then get a DVM and put it on the Ohms setting, place a lead at each end, it will show me OL? AS5 last I knew contained Silver.

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    Tadhg
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 20:45:15 (permalink)
    Ive been a fan of AS5 since.. well. my first build. Been around for a long time.

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    malVizio
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 20:50:21 (permalink)
    it's very very slightly capacitive...
    but the point it's that you don't have do verify your self on your mobo/cpu...
    if you are not an elephant you will be able to put the paste (99% of silver, very easy to apply) just where you need...
    edit:
    http://www.arcticsilver.com/as5.htm
    post edited by malVizio - 2012/03/19 20:54:28

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/19 20:59:24 (permalink)
    Shin Etsu X23 series and Prolimatech PK1... nuff said.
     
    I'm currently using my NH-D14 with X23 7783D. Impressive results.


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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/20 14:25:24 (permalink)
    Remember there are heatsinks with the Copper tubes showing out of the surface.  I have Hyper 212+ and Lapped it first then put the AS5 as filler next to the tubes as well as spreading somewhat over the i7-'s surface.  
    Also, IMO for the new CPUs which have silicon surface / chip that is more than 2 times longer than wide, the single Pea drop no longer applies.  IMO you need to spread the paste out.  It would be nice to know which direction the longer axes is though. 

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/20 15:11:49 (permalink)
    I have used both Arctic Silver 5 Polysynthetic and Masscol/Shin-Etsu G751 with very good results.  Review
     
    Indigo Extreme is suppose to be one of the best.  I have some but haven't gotten around to applying it yet.  Review
     
    I tried IC diamonds, never again, it is all hype.  Just my opinion.  
     
    post edited by wdflyer - 2012/03/20 15:14:12

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/20 15:28:03 (permalink)
    I've heard good things about Tuniq TX-4. A few degree better than MX-4.
    post edited by yapchagi - 2012/03/20 15:35:36

     
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    Hawaiiboi808
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/20 18:33:46 (permalink)
    wdflyer

    I have used both Arctic Silver 5 Polysynthetic and Masscol/Shin-Etsu G751 with very good results.  Review

    Indigo Extreme is suppose to be one of the best.  I have some but haven't gotten around to applying it yet.  Review

    I tried IC diamonds, never again, it is all hype.  Just my opinion.  



    IMO, Indigo Extreme is a pain to apply and burn-in.  I've got it on my CPU, but my GPUs have IC on them...  Thanks for posting reviews.

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/21 15:12:25 (permalink)
    Hands down Noctua NT-H1. GELID is a close second.

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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/22 08:23:17 (permalink)
    So if your using a hyper 212+ your best bet for better cpu cooling is to lap the hyper 212+ to make it a flat surface? 

     
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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/22 09:00:30 (permalink)
    warlord420

    Pk1 is way to go for me



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    Re:Best CPU Thermal Paste, Noctua NH-D14 2012/03/22 10:48:41 (permalink)
    esCob4r

    So if your using a hyper 212+ your best bet for better cpu cooling is to lap the hyper 212+ to make it a flat surface?

     
    It may benefit you if you have some rough edges around the heat pipes,  but be careful when lapping the 212+.  The pipes are thin, and if you lap it too much, you'll have a hole in your pipe.  Not good. 

     

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