Thermal Paste

[viper110110]

I just picked up an OCZ Gladiator for my core 2 duo.

Now my question is, do I use the paste that came with it or do I go with arctic silver 5?

I have both, and the arctic silver is brand new, so price/age don't matter.

 

[voyagerfan99]

I usually wipe the stock junk off and replace it with Arctic Silver. I just didn't with my last build cause I forgot my AC5 at school, but it will have AC5 eventually.

Usually just wiping toilet paper over the base gets it off pretty good. Then just add a touch of rubbing alcohol to fully clean it off.

 

[Gabe63]

The paste that came with my Zalman cooled the same as the AS5. The paste that came with my Noctua was 3-4deg C warmer than AS5. I would go with the AS5 just because. I always to a test, remove, check, clean, redo just to make sure I like what I see.

 

[viper110110]

OK I went with the AS5 and it seems to work fine

While installing, I struggled with the push pins *shoots somebody* and I think the heatsink came out of and back into contact with the processor several times. Should I take it off, wipe it clean, and try again?

Also my temps at 2.5 ghz are about 40 idle (depending on fan speed) and 60 under stress test

 

[linkin]

Those temps seem normal for a push pin cooler.

 

[Rit]

If you plan to overclock, I'd say go Arctic Silver. But if you plan on going stock you could go w/ what paste is on there.