Thermal Paste Help

[infernal008]

Hello, I have an intel core i7-2600k (stock intel hsf without overclocking) and an Sapphire HD5770 (stock cooling without overclocking the card) and I know my gpu may not be the latest, but I am not a hardcore gamer and so far, it gets me where I want to be . Both of these are enclosed in a Coolermaster Storm Scout 2 case with 2 front intakes and 1 exhaust. I would just like to ask some opinion about choosing the best or just a good thermal paste that will help me get temps lower.

Both my cpu and gpu is in stock configuration, from their operating frequencies, the fans and the thermal paste/pad it has. I would just like to know what aftermarket thermal pastes could you recommend for me? I do not do overclocking but I think there is no overkill in getting one of the best thermal pastes as it always concludes to lower temps right.

The following are the high-end ones available in the nearest store from my place:
1.) Noctua NT-H1
2.) Tuniq TX-4
3.) Prolimatech PK-1

Note: I do not really have some idea about their performance, but maybe experience from real users would be great.

Can you give your opinions about these pastes? Also, if you have other suggestions please feel free to say so, i'll try to find some here. Price does not really matter cause some of them are really cheap here even for the premium ones, I just do not know what to get. Thanks in advance for the help

**Also, my 3 year old card is running idle at 50c. I am thinking that maybe the thermal paste has dried up. Also my 2 year old cpu is idling at about 45c

 

[kilobravo]

Noctua nt-h1 is a good choise.

 

[jamesriley94]

I'd recommend getting a new cooler tbh.
IMO, there's little point getting a premium thermal paste to use on the stock cooler.

Even if you get a cheap £20 cooler, it will significantly reduce temperatures, and be a lot quieter. Made look into a Coolermaster TX3 or a Hyper 212.

From the list you've said, Noctua NT-H1 gets my vote.

As for the graphics card, it's likely that after 3 years the cooler will be clogged with dust.
Take it off, give it a good clean, and re-do the thermal paste with the NT-H1 if you get it.

 

[yassarikhan786]

NT-H1 is probably the best from the lot.

 

[MacLeod]

I'd recommend getting a new cooler tbh.
IMO, there's little point getting a premium thermal paste to use on the stock cooler.

QFT.

All the top brands of TIM are pretty close in quality and youre looking at only a couple degrees difference with them. With the stock heat sink its not going to help much. You would be MUCH better off getting something like a Hyper 212+ for not that much more than a tube of TIM. That would give you a massive improvement in cooling.

 

[infernal008]

Thanks guys, I am also into changing my cooler as well, though do I need high end coolers? Since I am not into overclocking, let's say mid range ones will do maybe?

 

[jamesriley94]

As I said - if you aren't overclocking, you're just going to need something quieter that will outperform the stock cooler (so pretty much everything over about £15 tbh).

The CM Hyper 212+ is great for the price.

What budget do you have?

 

[MacLeod]

The Hyper 212+ is the cheapest and is pretty quiet. I had one for a while and it worked great. The Hyper 212 Evo is a good bit quieter since it uses a different fan and spins at a slower speed. Its like $10 more. There are more basic coolers but theyre not that much cheaper than these Cooler Masters. Might as well cough up $30 and grab an Evo and that way youll have a superb cooler thats very quiet and if you do ever get the itch to try some overclocking, youll be covered there as well. Cheap insurance.

If you do get a Hyper, dont worry about any paste cause there will be some pre-applied on there and itll work just fine.

 

[NeverBackDown]

new cooler and adding some Arctic cooling MX-2/4 would be ideal.

 

[infernal008]

Hey guys! Thanks for all your help and suggestions. I have just purchased myself a Noctua NT-H1 paste here as it seems to be the easiest to get and has according to the a lot of people works great. I have just finished applying the new paste for my gpu (It was my first time actualy, and I have documented it, will post pics if you want ) I am so amazed!! I was shocked, from a 50c idle it is now idling at 40c. I am so happy with this, I know that of course my paste may have actually dried up a long time ago but everything here is my first time, and my work paid of and it didn't fail me.

My first priority is my gpu, since it runs quite hot. I'll be getting a new cooler for my processor and will apply the same paste, since I think there are still more than enough left from my newly opened paste. Though unlikily, it seems that the Hyper 212+ is not available here. Can you suggest me some good and cost-effective coolers for my cpu? My budget is aroung $25 max. Thanks

 

[Reloaded2]

I would go with the Nocthua NT-H1