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    Thermal Solutions...Worth it? (AS5xMX3)

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by lucretio, Apr 7, 2010.

  1. lucretio

    lucretio Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have the notebook of my signature, my GPU runs hot, especially when gaming...I'm thinking to buy the AS5 or MX3.


    But, is it worth? How much the temperatures usually drops?

    Wich one is better (AS5 or MX3)? There is some risk of damaging my GPU/CPU?


    Thanks
     
    lucretio, Apr 7, 2010
    #1
  2. tbrocato

    tbrocato Notebook Evangelist

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    I would look into getting some IC Diamond Thermal compound. IMO it is the best out. There is always a chance of damaging GPU/CPU if you do something incorrect. You can watch videos on youtube or check this out for more info:

    http://www.innovationcooling.com
    http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...rbjmBw&usg=AFQjCNEXiNVkP_nT91hKwFxW-gmjXf0o9w
     
    tbrocato, Apr 7, 2010
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  3. tbrocato

    tbrocato Notebook Evangelist

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    Note: if you install this your self...you will have to remove a sticker type deal on your CPU which will in fact void warranty. If you purchased it from an authorized reseller...(powernotebooks.com) they are allowed to apply the paste and not void the warranty. If you purchased the laptop through them you prob. could always say you had them apply the paste if you ever needed to send in the laptop for some reason.
     
    tbrocato, Apr 7, 2010
    #3
  4. fzhfzh

    fzhfzh Notebook Deity

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    Use either MX3 or ICD7, AS5 is no longer a good choice, firstly, it's conductive so higher risk of damaging your components, 2ndly, it has a very long curing period, and 3rdly, it's cooling is not any superior compared to the other 2.
     
    fzhfzh, Apr 7, 2010
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  5. tbrocato

    tbrocato Notebook Evangelist

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    tbrocato, Apr 7, 2010
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  6. lucretio

    lucretio Notebook Enthusiast

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    First, thanks for the replies.

    Well, I already have heard about these AS5 issues, due to its electric conductivity.

    I'll check more about ICD7.

    I already have a notebook cooling pad, I'm just searching for a thermal compound to lower even more my temperatures then I' gonna play games without worrying.




    Anyone have an idea of how much my CPU/CPU temps can drop?


    Thank you all.
     
    lucretio, Apr 7, 2010
    #6
  7. eazy_e

    eazy_e Notebook Consultant

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    I just applied thermal grease, and all i can say is.

    If you have the gift, use it. random results, sometimes it drops temp 10c other times no change. If you have the skills im sure its worth it, it allows you to overclock higher and safer thats for sure.


    GOOD LUCK
     
    eazy_e, Apr 7, 2010
    #7
  8. Histidine

    Histidine Notebook Deity

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    Just applied some AS5 myself. Didn't know any better, and it wasn't my tube anyway, I got it for free. Still, my temps have been consistently 5-10 degrees C cooler.
     
    Histidine, Apr 7, 2010
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  9. xxERIKxx

    xxERIKxx Notebook Deity

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    my cpu temps dropped about 3-5c going from from AS5 to ICD 7.
     
    xxERIKxx, Apr 7, 2010
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  10. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Differences btw most of these thermal pastes are <5 deg C at full load, which can be somewhat significant, but generally the cost for these few degrees outweighs the temperature drop. Have you read the cooling guide? The best thing for older CPUs (not Core i series) is typically undervolting, then in terms of ease, buying an external cooler.
     
    sgogeta4, Apr 7, 2010
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  11. LaptopNut

    LaptopNut Notebook Virtuoso

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    Temp increases or decreases are most likely in relation to how well you actually applied the thermal paste as opposed to which one you applied.
     
    LaptopNut, Apr 7, 2010
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  12. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Another very good point.
     
    sgogeta4, Apr 7, 2010
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  13. sean473

    sean473 Notebook Prophet

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    ICD 7 or that Shin Etsu paste is ur best options..
     
    sean473, Apr 7, 2010
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  14. raduque

    raduque Notebook Evangelist

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    I use Ceramique on everything. I haven't found a thermal paste that performs better for the price (I bought 2 tubes for a little under $3).

    Oh, and don't listen to people who tell you to layer it on till you cover every square micrometer of the chip - you're applying thermal paste, not icing a cake. You only need a little dollop in the middle and let pressure do the rest.
     
    raduque, Apr 7, 2010
    #14
  15. EchoShade

    EchoShade Notebook Evangelist

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    ICD7 is great but it stains the crap out of your heatsink.
     
    EchoShade, Apr 7, 2010
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  16. Rodster

    Rodster Merica

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    I recently replaced the thermal paste on my 2 year old Dell Vostro 1500 with a T5270 CPU and the Nvidia 8400m GS videocard. Initially when I first got my laptop my temps at idle where 37-42c (CPU) and 39-45c (GPU). Over the two years my temps rose on idle by 10c. At max load they climbed by 10-15c and I noticed my CPU going into the 65-68c range and the GPU was about the same.

    I first replaced the thermal paste with Arctic Silver Ceramique and it made a nice difference. It dropped my temps by about 5-7c, immediately. But then it started to climbed again.

    I tore it down again and noticed the heatsink fins were covered in dust so basically it was cutting off the exhaust flow and the temps started to rise. Once I cleaned off the CPU fan and both heatsinks my temps are pretty close to what they were two years ago.

    I mention this because it's one thing to mentally lock in and replace the thermal paste but you also need to inspect the cooling system as well to make sure it's all clean and no dust bunnies are cutting off airflow. In other words don't be like me. :eek: :rolleyes:
     
    Rodster, Apr 7, 2010
    #16