Been wanting to get some mx6 but still got loads left of the mx4 ...bought a big tube when on offer.
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Recommended Thermal Paste?
- Thread starter arc@css
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Up to around 100 watt TDP or so the difference between MX4 and MX6 is pretty much non-existent other than one being a touch easier to apply than the other. Where you see the difference between them is load temperatures on like a 14900K.
Yeah I was going to say the same but also Thermalright TFX, which I've just recently tried on my CPU as is working well.
Depends on the CPU, can't really go wrong with the blob method though. For Intels the optimal application is usually a line through the core but with recent Ryzen CPUs other patterns can be better.
You're going to get people telling you specific patterns to apply the paste, the fact is unless you're running on the high end with heavy productivity related CPU loads it barely matters outside of one or two dead ideas.
You could cover the thing in so much thermal paste it splats all over the motherboard once you apply whichever HSF you've bought and you will not see a difference. In fact, that's bordering on a better approach to the (sadly) many advocates of the "pea" method still out there, even though it's irrelevant at this point due to multi-core CPU's no longer having dies dead centre.
The easiest and safest method for 98% of people is lightly spreading paste over the IHS, aka the big metal plate on top of the chip where you apply the HSF.
Personally very against this method unless you buy one of the pastes designed for it and come with a spreader like some of the TG ones. Generally the best thing to do is look at the application guide for a given paste which for some reason few people do - though that isn't always the best - the Arctic YouTube guide was quite bad and wrong and even went against their written guide (which was right) though I've not rechecked if it is still up.
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I get what you're saying, but for Joe Bloggs making a gaming/media/basic rig which is most of the population it really is not a problem. I'd argue that those building more specific or higher end systems are likely to have a better understanding of things anyway.
You've more or less said it yourself, it barely matters unless you're dealing with super high wattage CPU's running at extreme loads. The biggest issue that I do see comes from those thinking the pea-method is relative to their new CPU with cores which are offset from centre, they apply too little and often in the wrong place.
For chips where MX4 or TF7 are competent just spread over, but if you need to run heavy CPU loads with high temperature processors reconsider, the latter being in a vast minority for end users on forums like this.
I keep seeing painfully confused enthusiast or entry level users that will never run into those issues dealing with extremes which are frankly irrelevant to them.
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MX-6 For me, use it for re-pastes on GPU and CPU
Been using PTM7950 on my 7950X3D for over a year and I love it, easy enough to apply, great consistent temps and should last for ages. Been using it on my Steam Deck OLED since that launched and temps are still great on that.
We’d have to define best, but in terms of thermal conductivity, all TIM is terrible. In terms of best* I’d say you need to look at, price, performance and longevity. Until recently I would have said AS5 is hands down the best* but prices have been climbing and price is critical here.
Spread as thinly and evenly as possible. The key is making sure everything is covered while using as little possible.
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ive just got a tube of mx-6 for when i next have to repaste or have to build another system or whatever
ive never actually applied paste before myselfe so i should probably have chosen mx4 but im not exactly the brightest tool in the shoe rook to put it mildly lol
i guess im going to have to do some reading when i come to need to use it or get some mx4 and still do some reading as ive never pasted before
is mx6 a no go for someone who hasnt pasted before?
its also only a 5900x im using so im guessing its also probably not really worth the extra effort for mx6 but hey im again not exactly known for my best ideas and practices LOL!
ive never actually applied paste before myselfe so i should probably have chosen mx4 but im not exactly the brightest tool in the shoe rook to put it mildly lol
i guess im going to have to do some reading when i come to need to use it or get some mx4 and still do some reading as ive never pasted before
is mx6 a no go for someone who hasnt pasted before?
its also only a 5900x im using so im guessing its also probably not really worth the extra effort for mx6 but hey im again not exactly known for my best ideas and practices LOL!
MX6 is good stuff, it's a little more difficult to spread than the likes of MX4 but you shouldn't have a hard time of it. There's no need to overly stress with applying thermal paste unless it's electrically conductive, which MX6 isn't.
Just take your time and get used to the consistency of it, start with a small amount and see how you get on. Don't inject half the tube all over the IHS or something, and yes I have seen people do that.
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Unless I missed it I can't find any information on his actual testing methodology.
Have you considered doing your own testing setup and posting results? I realise that it's a lot of work as it's a very iffy topic + cost and time but I'd happily help fund it within reason if you wanted to do so if you set up a gofundme/patreon or whatever.
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I've considered it but coming up to the busiest time of year for me at work so wouldn't be rushing to get into anything this side of Christmas.
If you ever decide to give it a shot let me know, I'd happily do what little I can to help.
It's such an intriguing topic (legitimately) and one people are incredibly confused about to this day.