thermal paste

[spectre3541]

how much of a difference should thermal paste make? for example, if i am using the included paste and temps went UP 6-7 degrees C after installing my spark 7..... is that a bad thing? any help would be great.

[Caj Darkmoon]

Basically anywhere you go in the computer world people will preach Arctic Silver 5 like its a religion.

I'd think it's pretty important if you've got bad stuff... but I've never compared.

[undergroundtech]

From what I have read, there is usually only a couple degrees difference in the cheap paste and the good stuff.
But I have not tried the comparison myself.

[Beemer]

I cant imagine that much of a rise in temperature. I could understand a little bit, as it may take a while for it to burn in. I personally would be concerned if it didnt drop after some burn in. Then maybe try a better paste.

[OCC0313]

I have noticed a rise in temp after a new install I just completed, about how long is the burn in time?

[playafly187]

Having reviewed many heatsinks myself, I would 100% recommend getting the aftermarket stuff (arctic silver 5) over the cheap paste. You can get a tube of AS5 for like $10 bucks or less, and, well, the performance gain is worth it in my eyes.

[fstroupe]

I think I paid like 5.99 for my small tube of AS5, it is far from half used, and I've used it on my CPU probably 6 or 7 times, and on GPU's probably 5 times.

I have experienced as much as 7C temp drop from AS5, after curing, which takes up to two weeks. You must follow the directions for AS5!

Is the temp rise with your Spark 7 on high fan or low fan speed? Did you replace a stock cooler? I would probably be concerned if I experienced a temperature increase at all going from stock cooler to Spark 7 at 6000rpms, regardless of thermal paste brand. Maybe the heatsink is not seated well, or paste got a bubble in it while seating heatsink.