Best TIM for a GFX card?

[Garyj881]

I have a GTX 280 which I'm going to put some fresh paste on, what paste do you recommend and also how would I go about it?

Should I spread on a thin layer?

 

[luanswan2002]

Just use w/e is good for a CPU. Like MX-3.

Thin layer or small drop in the middle, both is fine.

 

[Garyj881]

What would be better between Artic silver ceramique and Artic siver 5?

 

[reflux]

AS5.

 

[COYS]

If youre not going to make a mess than AS5

 

[Greebo]

I just got an EK waterblock and the instructions in there say do two crosses like a union jack on the gpu just for reference.

I used MX-2 cause i had it in stock.

 

[alex24]

Don't do a thin layer, just do a sizeable blob in the middle so it can spread without air bubbles outwards. How big the blob is depends on how big the GPU heatspreader is. If I recall, the GTX280 chip is a monster, so a fair bit. I'd use a non-conductive paste first rather than AS5, just to gauge how much is needed. If I wasn't happy with temps, then I'd put on some AS5, though it doesn't spread out as easily as most.

 

[PermaBanned]

What would be better between Artic silver ceramique and Artic siver 5?

Definately Ceramique, AS5 is electrically conductive. With the large heatshield on the CPU this isn't a problem but with graphics cards it can be.

 

[reflux]

Definately Ceramique, AS5 is electrically conductive. With the large heatshield on the CPU this isn't a problem but with graphics cards it can be.

Ah yeah, guess it depends if your GPU has a heatspreader or not. GTX280s do irrc.

 

[PaulyD]

MX-2/MX-3, i use it for everything tbh

 

[Garyj881]

Well I have bought both but have deicded to try the AS5, the gpu has quite a large heat spreader, just need to try it now.

If there isn't much difference then I'll maybe get an aftermarket cooler for it, any suggestions?

 

[muon]

I personally wouldn't use AS5 since gpu dies are exposed with lots of components around the die.

Also harder to clean since you can't afford to me messy. With MX2 I just use lots of IPA and don't have to worry about some MX2 residue getting on other components.

 

[Magnum_Force]

I find the best way to apply TIM is to do both a very thin layer on the HSF and Chip itself, then apply alittle blob on the chip in the middle. This way it eliminates air bubbles completely, and also makes sure you get TIM in the tiny grooves on the HSF surface.

 

[PermaBanned]

Or just a small dot in the middle of the chip...

 

[Garyj881]

Well I have just come out of COD4 with the temps reaching 85 deg.

No difference at all and thats with no overclock !

Might buy me an aftermarket cooler.