Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound 3.5g Tube

Despite building various computers and working on others, this the first time I have reviewed thermal paste. I have always believed that when it comes to certain PC components, there is no point in buying cheap as you will always end up having to replace it sooner; thermal paste is one of them. If you don't know, thermal paste is used to create a thermally fused bridge between a chip such as a CPU with a heat sink; this is done to ensure as much heat can be dissipated from the chip as quickly as possible. Why? Because we don't want anything to overheat and potentially cause permanent damage. Packaging: This came in a clear resealable bag. The tube itself is a spring loaded syringe that feels strong. Ease of use: I recommend sacrificing a small amount to start with as it is nearly always slightly watery compared to the rest of the tube. Firstly, you MUST wipe off any old thermal paste from the heat sink and chip that you wish to apply this too. I recommend using 99% rubbing alcohol and cotton buds to work off any residue. Once clean, apply a small line to the chip and very carefully put the heat sink down evenly so not to smear the paste. Tighten in a cross motion, that is, tighten screws as opposite pairs so that the load is even across the heat sink. Doing this will help spread the line of thermal paste in an even manner. Many people think you need to cover the chip entirely, you do not, don't forget, the heat sink is in contact with the chip anyway and the paste only serves as a very fine bridge between the two. Performance: I have used this on so any PCs and have only ever seen decreases in temperature. Notable examples include repairing an old Xbox 360 using different screws for the heat sink and replacing the paste with this stuff. The Xbox no longer overheats and still works now. This specific order was used for an old Acer Aspire Revo Nettop. In order to upgrade the hard drive I had to remvoe the heat sink. Because th eheat sink was coming off, I needed to replace the thermal paste. Running Kodi before showed idle CPU temps of 70-75 degrees. Since replacing, I haven't seen it go over 71 and idles at around 63. It seems to be often the case that factory used thermal paste just isn't as good quality as the dearer ones such as this. Value: Considering I still have at least 3g left, I'd say that I will get another three big uses out of this tube, and at £5.99 delivered next day, this is great value. Pros: - Spring loaded syringe - Thick compound - Excellent quality Cons: - Paste separates in storage (but all seem to do that) If you are looking for a thermal paste, buy this, you will not be disappointed.

Bought this as my tube of AS3 had dried up and I only had some standard thermal paste lying around and I needed to replace the graphic card on my Rock laptop. The graphic card's chips uses a set of thermal pads but the paste is needed for the CPU when reinstalling the fan and cooling assembly. The new card came before the thermal paste, my fault, so initially I used the standard paste I had lying around. Normal (browsing, checking emails, using Windows Explorer, watching an AVI video with KMPlayer types of thing) usage CPU temperature with the standard paste was 58-62C with idle around 56C. When the AS5 arrived and I used it, initially there was a ~5C difference between AS5 and the standard paste in similar usage (53-57C & 51C idle). But after a few days bedding in, (common with many of the more sophisticated formulations of thermal pastes) I lost another couple of degrees across the board (51-55C & 40 idle). Note, previous to replacing the graphic card, normal CPU temps, even though it had a better than standard paste on the CPU, was closer to the temps seen with the standard paste. Other bonus points, it has made a difference to the maximum temperature seen. Previously, when e.g. encoding video, which would push the CPU to max for long periods, max temperature would get up to around 88-90C. Now doing the exact same task, I never get above 83-84C. This is also reflected in the fact that now, even when doing some heavy lifting with the laptop, it is noticeable that the fan now runs for far shorter periods than it used to, i.e. the temperature drops far quicker. Though I have not changed any of the fan control settings in the BIOS or the on board SW I use. All in all, money well spent and a bargain at a fiver and a very pleasant surprise as it has produced far better results than I expected.

It is genuine and functions well. Easy to apply although like all paste it is a bit messy. There is usually enough in the tube to reapply if needed.

It’s the most well known and well received thermal paste on the market, and for good reason. It absolutely does the job, and it’s perfect for beginner builders due to how well it spreads against the CPU die regardless of application method. I would say that it’s thermal performance isn’t up to par with slightly more expensive options like the MX-4 or Kryonaut, but for something to keep in your back pocket when the better alternatives have run out, it’ll do the job.

Does the job, best on the market

Arctic Silver- Age old name & professionals choice for any high end machine. Had its name in mind since years. So when the need came ordered one. Product comes in open poly packaging. There is neither any blister pack nor any seal. Appears like product is imported in bulk & then sold in loose packaging. Only a Zip lock poly bag with a syringe containing 3.5 AS5 compund. But it appears genuine & performs well. ******* PROS ******* 1. Its old & trusted name in thermal paste world 2. Will bring down temperatures by 10-20 degrees. More important is system will be stable under load & run for longer durations at higher frequencies. 3. Qty is also good. If applied in right qty without wastage, it may last for approx 4-5 repaste jobs, on cpu & gpu. ******* CONS ******* Only con being, though not electrically conductive its slightly capacitive, and if not applied carefully, will spread outside to small components on die & create trouble. ********************** USAGE SCENARIO ********************** I used it in my old Dell XPS L502x & Inspiron 15R (all stats are wrt xps one), to replace stock thermal paste on CPU & GPU. CPU throttling due to excess core temperatures 95 Deg + on load. On even small load, it shooted up to 100 & then throttling will occur. High temp were due to dust accumulation on vents, fin & old expired thermal paste. *********** HOW TO *********** 1. Using cleaning solution (eg isopropyl alcohol available at chemist shop) & swab, clean out old paste. Be careful. Clean dies to mirror finish. 2. On square die, apply a drop. Neither too big, nor too small. Will depend on die size & your guess. On rectangular die, apply a line. When heatsink is pressed on to die, due to pressure it auto spreads consistently. Its preferred method, i did not go for spread method as it may sometimes leave air bubbles which is a no go. *pic attached with illustration on square/rectangular die & real application on rectangular die ************************** BEFORE APPLICATION ************************** Cold boot, no apps running, core temp was 63 Deg, CPU at 800mhz On full load via prime 95 After 2 min 95 deg & cpu at 1700mhz After 5 mins 95 deg & cpu at 1500mhz After 15 mins 95 deg & cpu at 1100mhz Fan: at full rpm, continuously whirring. ************************ AFTER APPLICATION ************************ Cold boot, no apps running, after 15 mins core temp was 50 Deg, CPU at 2400mhz On full load via prime 95 After 2 min 79 deg & cpu at 2900mhz After 5 mins 82 deg & cpu at 2700mhz After 15 mins 82 deg & cpu at 2600mhz Fan: less noise and triggers less. Very lesso n high rpm So it appears like, huge difference in performance & power saving!! Its been a few days after application, n laptop seems to run cool & there is visible boost in performace on load. ****************** FINAL VERDICT ****************** So getting AS5 was not a bad investment! You can surely go for it. Just be careful in its application as though not electrically conductive, its capacitive & if not used in desired qty may spread out to small components on die & create trouble. Also be patient after application as it takes around 200 hours to cure or to reach its full capacity. Thats burn in time for AS5.

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Prompt delivery! Item as described

Produto muito bom.

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