Zamlnam thermal grease or AS5?

Snapshot · 22 Sep 2007 at 21:33

I'll be installing a Zalman CNPS9700 NT in a few days and would like to know if the supplied thermal grease is better or worse than trusty old Arctic Silver 5? I always have AS5 available so it wouldn't be an extra purchase.

gurusan · 22 Sep 2007 at 21:38

I would go with the AS5...I highly doubt there's a difference but I usually keep the supplied thermal grease with components as backup.

BTW Shin-etsu microsi and Arctic Cooler MX1 and MX2 outperform AS5 by far.

simonnance · 22 Sep 2007 at 22:00

gurusan said:
I would go with the AS5...I highly doubt there's a difference but I usually keep the supplied thermal grease with components as backup.

BTW Shin-etsu microsi and Arctic Cooler MX1 and MX2 outperform AS5 by far.

If "by far" you mean a few C

If its the Zalman ZM-STG1 stuff, its pretty good actually, and applies very well with the nail polish style brush.

gurusan · 22 Sep 2007 at 22:38

simonnance said:
If "by far" you mean a few C

If its the Zalman ZM-STG1 stuff, its pretty good actually, and applies very well with the nail polish style brush.

Yes, thats what I mean

Snapshot · 23 Sep 2007 at 06:13

Thanks, both. A bit of googling indicates that microsi/MX2 > AS5 > ZM-STG1 so I'll treat myself to some microsi or MX2 before I start.

spooks · 23 Sep 2007 at 09:46

The Zalman paste performs the same as AS5 in terms of conductivity but the Zalman paste is MUCH MUCH MUCH better in the application department. Definately use the Zalman stuff, I am using it and it performs fantastically and is really easy to apply.

Have a look at this review: http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/zalmanthermalgrease/