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Thermal Paste Comparison
Reviewed by Jason Jacobs on 08.13.2003

Water Cooled: Maze 3, 1/2 inch tubing and barbs, heatercore + 120mm Sunon Fan, Rio 180 Pump, Innovatek Reservoir.

Ambient Temp: 26.6C or 80F

Product:	Idle Day 1	Load Day 1	Idle Day 2	Load Day 2	Idle Day 3	Load Day 3
Nanotherm Blue II	39C	44C	38C	43.5C	38C	42C
Nanotherm Silver XTC	38C	43.5C	38C	42C	37.5C	42C
Nanotherm PCM+	38.5C	42C	37C	42.5C	37C	41C
Arctic Silver 3	39C	43C	39C	43C	38C	42.5C
Silver Grease	43C	52C	43C	51.5C	43C	50C
Shin Etsu G751	39.5C	42.5C	38C	41C	37C	40C
Silicone Compound	45C	55C	45.5C	54C	45C	53C

These results revealed no clear winner. Overall, the Shin Etsu G751 comes out ahead, but only by one degree. Information on this compound available on the internet would suggest that it takes some time to set in and reach its final resting point. The Nanotherm PCM+ is clearly very good at the transfer of heat, and even seems to do a better job of this at idle temperatures than the G751. The silicone compound, again, is not a serious choice if overclocking, and wouldn't normally be used in a water-cooling setup. The silver grease is very thick and almost as difficult to apply as the G751; getting a thin coat is nearly impossible, as it tends to blob easily.

With water-cooling, processor temperatures can never drop below the ambient temperature; they can get close, but never below. CPU temperatures are affected by water-flow, the efficiency of the waterblock, and the efficiency of the radiator.

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