How far Gelid Extreme Thermal Paste can stretch is a question worth exploring.
How far Gelid Extreme Thermal Paste can stretch is a question worth exploring.
According to the guide, it's recommended to use one tube per block for safety.
Ignore peas and adhere strictly to the block manufacturers' instructions. Particularly for the GTX 9xx line, performance hinges more on VRM temperature than the GPU itself. The GTX 900 series GPUs perform adequately with air cooling; it's the VRM temperatures that mainly restrict your overclocking potential.
EK Supplies Gelid Extreme with their water blocks are recommended. While I usually opt for Shin Etsu 751 on CPUs, I favor Gelid for GPUs because it stays flexible long enough to apply evenly across all chips and both sides of the...
Use a small amount of thermal paste, roughly the size of a rice grain or pea, per block. This means you'll save about one-fifth of your thermal paste tube after applying it everywhere.
Ignore peas and adhere strictly to the instructions provided by the block manufacturers. Particularly for the GTX 9xx line, the performance is more influenced by the VRM temperature than the GPU itself. The GPUs from the GTX 900 series perform adequately with air cooling; it's the VRM temperatures that mainly restrict your overclocking potential.
EK Supplies Gelid Extreme, equipped with their water blocks, is a solid choice. While I usually opt for Shin Etsu 751 on CPUs, I favor Gelid for GPUs because it stays flexible long enough to cover all chips and the thermal pads on both sides. The small paddle applicator is especially useful during application.
The outcome largely depends on what you're applying it to. Just the GPU... or according to EK's application guidelines?
[Link 1]
[Link 2]
For the CPU, Shin Etsu 751 works well with standard cooling methods. The VRM temperatures are key, not the GPU itself. Be mindful that higher temps can limit your overclocking.
The little paddle applicator makes the process easier.
It all hinges on the specific application you're doing. Just the GPU... or as per EK's instructions?
[Link]
The paste feels extremely thick, and from the 1.8 ounce amount I only applied a pea-sized quantity to my CPU. I believe there are around 11 contact points you'd need to cover on each GPU and CPU.
Spoiler
JackNaylorPE suggests adhering to the manufacturer's instructions rather than relying on generic advice. For the GTX 9xx models, the VRM temperature plays a bigger role than the GPU itself. The GPUs in the GTX 900 line perform adequately with air cooling, while VRM temperatures often cap your overclock potential. EK Supplies' Gelid Extreme with water blocks is recommended. Shin Etsu 751 is preferred for GPUs due to its flexibility during application across all chips and thermal pads. The paddle applicator helps a lot during the process. The approach varies depending on what you're applying it to—just the GPU or following EK's specific guidelines?
You can find more details here:
http://www.overclock.net/content/type/61...height/700
When following the instructions closely, use a full tube per card. Be precise but swift, as paste consistency diminishes over time. Pay attention to the 30 chips with thermal pad 2 to avoid excess paste buildup.
Apply according to the labels:
A. To the 30 or so chips labeled (2)
B. To the 8 chips labeled (1)
C. Apply Thermal Pads
D. Apply to other side of thermal pads (1) and (2)
E. Apply to the GPU
F. Install block
G. Apply TIM to back of chips
H. Apply TIM to thermal pads
I. Apply TIM of pack of pads
J. Install backplate
For full-size instructions, see:
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/EK-IM/EK-IM-3831109830338.pdf
https://www.ekwb.com/shop/EK-IM/EK-IM-3831109830345.pdf
For CPU applications, the method varies by cooler type. A detailed guide is available here:
http://archive.benchmarkreviews.com/inde...0&Itemid=1
Most high-performance TIMs need thermal cycling to cure properly. The process involves:
1. Install OS and drivers, then download RoG Real Bench for CPU stability checks (without risking damage).
2. Use HWiNFO64 as a monitoring tool—only run sensors.
3. Perform a stress test on the CPU with fan speeds at maximum, aiming for temps above 80°C for a short time, then let them cool. Repeat several times.
4. For GPUs, follow Furmark’s guidelines: stress test with fans at high speed, aim for throttling temps and cycling temperatures.
5. Set your overclocks based on results—target around 75°C under RoG Real Bench with quiet fans (<850 rpm).
6. GPUs should stay between 40-45°C with proper radiator and TIM, while VRMs should not exceed 80°C.
Thank you for the clear advice. It was extremely useful.
It is always wise to test the fit and examine the TIM footprint before assuming any application method works. You should apply just enough TIM to completely cover the GPU or CPU without excess, filling only the tiny surface imperfections. The TIM replaces the air between surfaces, improving thermal conductivity since air is a poor conductor. Applying too much TIM can actually reduce performance by acting as an insulator.
I think Artic Silver 5 is one of the top thermal compounds available. Many consider it outdated, but after proper curing, its performance matches or exceeds some of the best options.
If you look closely, Silver AG stands out as a highly conductive material. Also, Artic Silver 5 contains real silver, whereas many silver-based TIMs use aluminum or carbon instead.
My 2 Cents! Ryan
Edit: To address your question directly, a single tube should suffice since you’re only applying TIM to the GPU and CPU, not the dies or heat spreaders. Use thermal padding for memory chips and voltage regulators.
There are actually two concerns with AS5, neither of which is critical... well, three if you're being particular:
1. Cure Time:
It's just a minor hassle because at 8 hours a day it would take 25 days. I monitored the build over time and, considering the ambient conditions, the temperature inside the box decreased with each successive test (monthly). By the fifth month, the readings were still within the acceptable error range.
2. Capacitive
As long as you're careful, it's not a major problem... just avoid letting it drip anywhere, touch your fingers, or apply too much pressure.
3. Price
AS5 usually costs between $7 and $12. The Shun Etsu G751 typically ranges from $4 to $5 and offers the same thermal performance without these drawbacks.
[Link](http://archive.benchmarkreviews.com/inde...itstart=12)
GC-Extreme (0) Aluminum Oxide Low / Thin 37.65°C A+
Thermaltake Grease A2150 (4) Polysynthetic Silver Low / Thin 37.65°C A+
Arctic Silver 5 Polysynthetic Thermal Compound (4) Polysynthetic Silver 37.55°C A+
Shin-Etsu MicroSi G751 (0) Aluminum Oxide Moderate 37.55°C A+
In short, AS5's performance is only slightly below expectations, but with Shin Etsu being half the price, the curing issue remains a minor concern—especially for beginners. I'm sure it's unlikely to cause serious problems, and you can always adjust your oven settings after a few months. As long as you stay attentive, you won't encounter any issues with TIM on contacts. It's tough to say you're likely to make a mistake with any of the top 20 options.
I'm planning to try Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut next time just for fun and laughter.