Liquid metal

V-Spec · 6 Feb 2013 at 18:46

This stuff, despite being a pain to apply seems awesome,

I was using Gelid OC extreme and also tried MX4, on a de-lidded 3770k, mounting was correct in both instances, full load temps @ 4.8 @ 1.35v were around 80 degrees in prime 95,

Changed to Phobya liquid metal, and changed the compound between the die and heat spreader to liquid medal too, now my full load temps @ the same settings are closer to 50 degrees than 80.

I wondered if i'd simply done a bad job of mounting with the MX4 and Gelid, but each time I took the waterblock off the impression on the TIM was pretty much perfect...

Are any of you guys using it with a W/C setup, if so - what temps are you seeing?

illuz · 6 Feb 2013 at 18:58

Wow, what a drop !

PCZ · 6 Feb 2013 at 19:24

I used liquid pro between the die and heatspreader also.
Made a massive difference to temps.

Previously i had used various pastes between the die and heatspreader, they were useless for the job.
Problem is they pump out.
After a very short while all the paste that was between the die and heatspreader had been pumped out over the edge of the die.

Liquid pro stays put.
Temps dropped at least 30c compared to the stock tim between die and heatspreader.
Actually temps probably dropped more than that, but with the stock tim on the die stress testing isn't really possible at high clock speeds as they hit 100c so easily running prime avx.

Now i run at 4.8Ghz with 1.375v.
Even when running small fft's in p95 i never see temps over 70C.
Gaming temps are very low 40's and 50's mostly,
Actually only need to use one 1200 RPM fan on the silver arrow now, mounted in the center.
Which is great because it means my my ram slots are in the clear.

illuz · 6 Feb 2013 at 20:16

I must get myself some of this Liquid Pro & de-lid my chip then eh !

V-Spec · 6 Feb 2013 at 20:39

illuz said:
I must get myself some of this Liquid Pro & de-lid my chip then eh !

when I first de-lidded my chip I used AS5, my temps went from 105 (lol) down to about 80, since I went entirely to liquid metal, i'm seeing around 60 absolute max and that's at higher volts as I haven't bothered optimising settings yet, so I should be able to get it lower.

De-lidding is a bit scary and delicate, just watch the videos on youtube to get a feel and don't rush it, I bought a pack of razors from boots, worked just fine

PCZ · 6 Feb 2013 at 21:22

If your going to use a razor blade make sure you buy single sided ones or you will cut your fingers tips off.
I used a retractable blade craft knife.

You need a steady hand.
Work slowly round the edges being carefull not to cut downwards and scratch the CPU surface.
Dont cut in too deep either or you can chip the core.

Hardest part is making the first cut into the sealent.

illuz · 6 Feb 2013 at 21:41

I have AS5 on mine atm air cooling I never go over 60'C @ 4.5GHz. No real need to de-lid my chip I'd just love the nerd points and to see just how cool I can get these so called "hot" chips.

hlennie · 8 Feb 2013 at 08:32

yes so impressed with this stuff I don't think i will be using any thing else in the future

4.8 Ghz @ 1.39v 24c min 64c max

680 gtx 4gb ftw's both 24 min max 42c

more ivy's need to be delidded

chrisoverson · 8 Feb 2013 at 19:17

I absolutely recommend this stuff, did wonders for my temps. Haven't seen more than 65 degrees on this chip for a while now, whether gaming or benching.

If you're going to delid, I would definately recommend only using a blade for as long as you have to (to make a gap in one corner), and then use thin sharp plastic like blister pack to do the rest. The sealant is very soft really.

Virtually risk free and very easy, very little chance of cutting into the PCB or your fingers with that!

Just be careful when handling the chip without the IHS, it feels so light and cheap without it it's unreal.

Also use a sharp blade, and do NOT use a flexible blade! Very important.