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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