Sager NP8130: The Impact of Repasting Stock TIM->ICD/IC7/IC24

So, I've done it successfully on three systems now. I didn't want to touch my new machine, it was running great, but, I've never been known for leaving well enough alone.

This is for the GTX560m and the i7-2630qm:

These are some basic, preliminary results and things you can expect when installing, and what I did. More extensive tests to follow as I have time.

Install:
Here forward, all "manufacturer installation (or similar)" references are per their page, here: Application

Per their instructions, there are a few things I would like to note, that one must infer / catch with a careful eye to properly install:

• They say to apply a 5.0-5.5mm of paste, but I found with image manipulation, they applied closer to what would have been the 6.0mm bead (not in picture).
• This amount is only relevant if your CPU/GPU top is 25mm x 25mm.
• The height is almost impossible to determine, but from the image, it does seem that it is 'stacked' a bit. Online reading most people say a "pea sized amount". I don't know whether that's cooked or uncooked, (lol) so I went with cooked, to guarantee the paste would push out to the edges.

Your CPU (crappy picture from phone below) is actually rectangular 25mm x 10mm (if I remember right). I therefore laid the paste in a thick line, about 6mm long.

Your GPU (the OTHER crappy picture from phone below) is square and exactly 25mm x 25mm just like in their instructions. I pasted a circular dab between 5.5mm and 6.0mm, to guarantee proper coverage.

I carefully aligned, then pressed the heatsinks in to place. Their instructions did not mention twisting, so I did not.

When pressing, you should be firm, but not heavy (50 PSI per instructions). The system has screws that will screw tightly, to maximum using normal force (don't go superman on them is all you need to know-- you don't need to use a torque wrench).

I let the system sit cold after full screwed down for 15 minutes to allow it to settle if necessary before turning it on.

Test Results:
Running both CPU Burn 1.01 and FurMark for 7 minutes, all temps are the MAX reached, in C:

BEFORE:
Core 0: 53
Core 1: 53
Core 2: 45
Core 3: 51
GPU: 87

AFTER:
Core 0: 48
Core 1: 51
Core 2: 45
Core 3: 49
GPU: 76


Quick real-world test of Crysis 2, all settings to one below "ultra" except objects (ultra), 1920x1080, VSync Off, DX11 & Texture Pack Installed, play testing for about 20 minutes:
BEFORE:
GPU: 80

AFTER:
GPU: 73


Oblivion (max settings 1920x1080, HDR Bloom (AA must be off)):
BEFORE:
GPU: 76

AFTER:
GPU: 70

Final Thoughts:
I definitely notice that the system stays in the lower fan settings now as well, when performing the same activities before repasting. These small temp differences may be enough depending on the game to keep you at a lower fan level.

All in all, do I think it was worth it? For me, sure. If you're a long time user of the paste and feel comfortable, do it. If you're not, that $40 option from most builders is a fair price. It takes a couple degrees off, and while less important to non-overclockers, the fan speeds lowering, as well as improved chip health (running cooler = lasting longer) are nice.

If you aren't going to really work the GPU... then no, the temp impacts are very small at the lower end of the spectrum (1C @ Idle, and no more than a couple degrees for the CPU Cores fully loaded).