Which thermal compound??

[ben-the-slacker]

I was wondering which thermal compound I should get: Arctic Silver/SilverII/Alumina. Heard great stuff about Silver but read somewhere that it was kinda conductive, so I was wondering if Alumina is a good second choice. Besides it's also cheaper.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

[cadetstimp]

I would say Artic Silver II all the way.....

Here's a thread with info on how to apply

http://www.techimo.com/forum/t8393.html

>>edit

I forgot .. Artic silver has detailed instructions at their web site as well...

http://www.articsilver.com/arctic_si...structions.htm

[S.D.Willie]

i would say arctic silver as well. for a little x-tra dough, it's worth it.


SD

[MrFrost]

I've not yet tried the Alumina but will likely change to it when next I need to buy thermal goop.

I currently use Artic Silver II, and it is very good. My problem with it has more to do with its inconveniences. Rather nasty to clean. Expensive.

I don't figure that most systems will be made or broke by the 1 or 2 degrees difference between Alumina or Silver II. If it is, someone should be more concerned about a better cooling solution than the thermal goop they're using.

Also, have seen some test results where Radio Shack goop was very close to Silver II's ability, at 1/4th the cost. And most of us live near a Radio Shack, meaning no shipping charges.
The biggst downside is the fact it dries out over time, which isn't good.

Yeah, I think I'll try Alumina next. Near RS price. Near Silver II performance. Won't dry out. 100% inert.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

If you install the goop as per the instructions and don't heap it on, conductivity has no effect, you could use silver conductive paint if you wanted to, the key is moderation, if you put a glob on slap the HS on and spread it all over the CPU then there was too much, but since the layer is supposed to be extremely thin, the last thing I worry about is conductivity.