Arctic Cooling AC-MX4?

Edit: I just noticed there is a thread on this on the front page already.

I've read through a lot of the thermal paste threads on here but I haven't found any discussion on MX4. I've seen discussions on MX3, and I'm guessing MX4 can't be too much different than it, but I don't want to make any assumptions.

Has anybody tried this? I'm trying to find a paste for both my CPU and GPU. I'm considering AS5 but I've read several instances of it not helping much with GPUs. I'm curious as to how MX4 works versus other common pastes, namely Arctic Silver pastes, OCZ Freeze and Masscool G751 Shin-Etsu.

Also, a lot of the thermal paste threads are from last year. What are you guys currently using for your CPU/GPU?

 

I'm using MX-4 and it is decent. It is better than AS5 by a small amount. I highly recommend it. Any premium paste is better than the cheese that Dell uses.

 

I just repasted my CPU and GPU using MX4 and noticed a decrease of 5c in both. Highly recommend it. Just put a little smaller than a pea sized amount on the die and let your heatsink spread it as you tighten it.

 

Lol wow, there happens to be a thread on this at the bottom of the first page. I swear I did all kinds of searches for it. Ohhh well. Thanks for the responses above

 

I used MX-3 when I installed my 940 mx - did both CPU and GPU. Using Throttlestop, best I could get was 26x for all 4 cores. Anything higher pushed the heat over the top. So I repasted with MX-4 and can now get 27x for all 4 cores, and even if I push it, CPU temp only goes to 85-90 degrees. GPU is not an issue, but it does seem to be running cooler.

I hope this is helpful. Literature on pastes is confusing - there are large comparison tests, but not in the last 1-2 years.

Joe

 

Yeah my fault man, I saw your thread right after I made this one. That's awesome though, I think I just may get MX4.

 

Hey Joe, I'm glad the MX4 is working out for you. Whoever recommended it to you deserves a rep don't ya think?

 

Mx-4 is excellent for both CPU and GPU. Non-conductive, easy to apply and highly effective. You will be well pleased.

 

If I repaste my CPU & GPU use MX-4, do I need to use any pad or just clean the old one and repaste?

P/s: I have no exp with repaste at all Have inap's guide but still worry about doing that

 

Your current heat sink should be fine. Just dip a coffee filter in isopropyl alcohol (may need several) and wipe them off. From there the guide should be good.

 

As described - clean heat sink and top of processor and apply paste. You can probably reuse the pads - but don't put paste on them. If you are inclined to replace pads, there is an ongoing discussion - but you could order pad mateial from Frozencpu.com.

Joe

 

Yup - I looked back, and it was your report of a 5 degree drop that made me decide to repaste. +rep

I think it went through - let me know if it didn't (the window disappeared very rapidly after I entered the text.

Joe

 

Got it! Thanks Joe

 

Can someone give me a summary of how the pads work exactly? I haven't replaced a CPU in years so I'm not familiar with these at all. I read a discussion somewhere about replacing them for memory, but not for CPU/GPU. I have this paste on order and figured all I would need to do is clean and reapply the paste.

Any insight is appreciated, but if you have links to any threads that might help that would be awesome as well.

 

Ok the memory we are taking about are the vram modules on the MXM GPU board. For replacing the CPU, all you need to change is the paste.

 

I gotcha. I misunderstood when Flame asked, "If I repaste my CPU & GPU use MX-4, do I need to use any pad or just clean the old one and repaste?"