The proper option to apply the finest thermal paste has been a hotly-contested subject amongst PC lovers since PC DIYing started. Some folks swear that one of the best utility methodology is in a central blob, a cross, a line, extra advanced patterns, and even unfold on the chip like butter on a cracker. Igor Wallossek of Igor’s Lab sought to check and exhibit one of the best methodology of thermal paste utility for GPUs, not CPUs. Igor discovered that one of the best methodology resulted in a liquid-cooled GPU which ran 5 levels Celsius cooler than the least favorable methodology.
In what’s, in essence, Igor’s GPU re-pasting information, he begins by speaking about how necessary appropriate thermal paste utility is on massive GPUs. Smaller GPUs are extra forgiving, however bigger, extra highly effective ones have uneven surfaces and will undergo from warping when beneath the stress of the cooling meeting. We’ve seen related tales of warping not too long ago with the elongated Alder Lake CPUs, that are thermally improved by way of mounting frames.
Igor additionally stresses the significance of cleansing off the outdated thermal paste correctly. He gives a walkthrough of his strategies, what to look out for, and what to not fuss about.
Apparently Igor asserts that as a result of ‘brutal’ gaps between a GPU and a cooler, utilizing a high-viscosity thermal paste is crucial. For GPUs, he emphatically dismisses standard merchandise like Arctic MX-2 or MX-4 however places a great phrase in for Alphacool Apex or Subzero or “the outdated Gelid PC Excessive.”
Earlier than making use of the paste to the GPU, it is best to try to get it to a ‘hand-warm’ temperature, and the identical applies to the GPU. Igor suggests placing the thermal paste tube in a pocket for a couple of minutes and checking the GPU die isn’t ice chilly. Earlier than and after utility, a little bit of hair dryer motion would possibly assist hold the viscous paste simply workable.
On the controversial subject of thermal paste utility shapes, Igor examined a GPU that was totally ‘painted’ with paste vs a central blob vs a vertical line (the titular sausage). Sadly he missed out on the central cross and a number of other different standard methodologies/permutations. For instance, have a look at Noctua’s CPU pasting suggestions which got here to mild earlier within the week.
Sausage Wins, however Depends on a Seesaw Screw Tensioning Technique
The sausage-style central vertical line was the straightforward winner in Igor’s assessments. Nonetheless, its use is wedded to a specific methodology of screw tensioning. First, when re-attaching the cooling meeting, you will need to place it straight down onto the GPU with out sliding round. Then you will need to apply a little bit rigidity to 1 aspect pairing of screws, adopted by the opposite aspect, then forwards and backwards a couple of instances – working it like a seesaw.
In his assessments, the sausage methodology was fairly an apparent winner, providing a few 5 levels Celsius enchancment over different strategies. Igor says he used liquid cooing for constant outcomes along with his GeForce RTX 3080 reference PCB.
Wrapping up, Igor stands solidly by his pasting and cooler tensioning methodology, saying some producers observe a really related methodology to that outlined above. Maybe readers can do that methodology subsequent time they re-paste an outdated GPU. Tell us what you assume within the feedback beneath.
There are such a lot of thermal pastes to select from in 2022. If you’re confused by the selection, it’s value taking a look at our finest thermal pastes roundup, contemplating 90 merchandise.
