Artic Silver 5 vs. Artic Cooling MX-2

DavidNJ · 02-23-2008, 03:05 AM

In a nutshell, reviews indicate MX-2 is a degree or two, measureable but just, cooler than Artic Silver 5. However, there may be another reason.

The reviews say MX-2 is 'runnier'. Artic Silver recomments 'tinning' which to them is a surface prep where you force AS5 onto the surface hard and then wipe it off. It remains in the voids of the surface roughness. AS5 is then applied normally (a thin stripe across the cores.

Now, could the MX-2 advantage in the reviews be that it comes closer to the 'tinning' without actually preparing the surface? Does preparing the surface remove the MX-2 advantage?

zapionics<alt> · 02-23-2008, 06:02 AM

Do you have a link to the review that you mention?

*polonyc2* · 02-23-2008, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zapionics<alt>

Do you have a link to the review that you mention?

here's one review...

Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Paste :: TweakTown

and another...

Reviews | Arctic Cooling MX-2 - APH Networks

iMogal · 02-23-2008, 11:17 AM

I've used both MX-2 and AS Ceramic.
But, not on the same system.
For ease of use, MX-2 was easier to apply.
(I bought 2 bottles just cuz of reviews I've read)

I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

wonderwrench · 02-23-2008, 02:17 PM

I have been hearing good things about Masscool Shin-Etsu x23.
Reviews show it blowing everything else away. I have also read that both Intel and AMD retail heat sinks come with some form of Shin-Etsu compound. I would have tried it out my self but I already have enough AS5 to last me years. Its hard to find Shin-Etsu x23 for sale also. Review Thermal Interface Material Comparison - Xtreme CPU

DavidNJ · 02-24-2008, 11:49 PM

I just installed a Xigmatek 1283 with AS5. I don't even know how AS5 compares to AS Ceramique.

Never heard of the Shin-Etsu x23, but there appear to be 2 online retailers...the manufacturer and CrazyPC. $8.00 for a 1gm syringe.

The cost of the thermal paste is so small compared to the parts it is used between, I don't consider it worth worrying about. However, small differences in tests...especially one test...is not statistically significant.

Based on the resolution of measurement, the AS Ceramique has the same performance...and is readily available. Why aren't we all using it?

Also...back to my original question: is the difference in prep? That is, does preparing the surface with 'tinning' improve the AS to be competitive with the others...which may be less viscous?

02-23-2008, 03:05 AM	#1
DavidNJ Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 92	Artic Silver 5 vs. Artic Cooling MX-2 In a nutshell, reviews indicate MX-2 is a degree or two, measureable but just, cooler than Artic Silver 5. However, there may be another reason. The reviews say MX-2 is 'runnier'. Artic Silver recomments 'tinning' which to them is a surface prep where you force AS5 onto the surface hard and then wipe it off. It remains in the voids of the surface roughness. AS5 is then applied normally (a thin stripe across the cores. Now, could the MX-2 advantage in the reviews be that it comes closer to the 'tinning' without actually preparing the surface? Does preparing the surface remove the MX-2 advantage? __________________ Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P rev 2.1 Q6700 G0 360Mhzx10@1.48v Modified Swiftech H20 220 Compact ECS 8800GT with Accelero at 720/1890/2200 4 x 2048 OCZ DDR800 Platinum at 2.0v & 456Mhz (PC913)...MCH +.25v 1000w Cooler Master PSU (inlet ducted underneath the case) 4 x 500GB, 1x750GB disk on the Gigabyte SATA 2 1tB WD MyBook Home eSATA drives for backup Cooler Master CM690 case with 4 AeroCool 140mm fans (two top, one side, one bottom, second side didn't clear the HSF )
(Offline)

02-23-2008, 06:02 AM	#2
zapionics<alt> <unknown level> Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AUSTRALIA Posts: 2,936	Re: Artic Silver 5 vs. Artic Cooling MX-2 Do you have a link to the review that you mention? __________________ "To Boldly Go..."
(Offline)

02-23-2008, 11:17 AM	#4
iMogal Zoom Zoom... Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 1,182	Re: Artic Silver 5 vs. Artic Cooling MX-2 I've used both MX-2 and AS Ceramic. But, not on the same system. For ease of use, MX-2 was easier to apply. (I bought 2 bottles just cuz of reviews I've read) I don't think you could go wrong with either one. __________________ SilverStone LG-08 Asus P5E-VM HDMI Intel e2180 O/C'd 2.85Ghz (8x355) 2x2Gb G.Skill DDR2-1000 (5,5,4,14) (2:3 533Mhz) Maxotr 120 Gig SATA 8Mb HIS 3870 Iceq3 Turbo 850 Corsair HX620 Modular PSU Dell UltraSharp 2407FPW Monsoon MM-700 2.1 Speakers __________________ PC = Box of lost hours
(Offline)

02-23-2008, 02:17 PM	#5
wonderwrench ABXpert Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mpls MN Posts: 1,603	Re: Artic Silver 5 vs. Artic Cooling MX-2 I have been hearing good things about Masscool Shin-Etsu x23. Reviews show it blowing everything else away. I have also read that both Intel and AMD retail heat sinks come with some form of Shin-Etsu compound. I would have tried it out my self but I already have enough AS5 to last me years. Its hard to find Shin-Etsu x23 for sale also. Review Thermal Interface Material Comparison - Xtreme CPU __________________ C2D E6400 @ 3 GhzMSI P35 Neo2-FR bios 1.82X 2 gig Corsair DDR2 800 XMS2 ramEvga 8800GT SSC Seagate 7200.10 320 gig SATA HDLiteOn sohw-1693sPlextor PX 716aTeac FloppySB Audigy 1 GamerFSP AX450-PN PSU Rosewill R6AR6-BK case*XP pro sp2 32 bit Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment.
(Offline)

02-24-2008, 11:49 PM	#6
DavidNJ Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 92	Re: Artic Silver 5 vs. Artic Cooling MX-2 I just installed a Xigmatek 1283 with AS5. I don't even know how AS5 compares to AS Ceramique. Never heard of the Shin-Etsu x23, but there appear to be 2 online retailers...the manufacturer and CrazyPC. $8.00 for a 1gm syringe. The cost of the thermal paste is so small compared to the parts it is used between, I don't consider it worth worrying about. However, small differences in tests...especially one test...is not statistically significant. Based on the resolution of measurement, the AS Ceramique has the same performance...and is readily available. Why aren't we all using it? Also...back to my original question: is the difference in prep? That is, does preparing the surface with 'tinning' improve the AS to be competitive with the others...which may be less viscous? __________________ Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P rev 2.1 Q6700 G0 360Mhzx10@1.48v Modified Swiftech H20 220 Compact ECS 8800GT with Accelero at 720/1890/2200 4 x 2048 OCZ DDR800 Platinum at 2.0v & 456Mhz (PC913)...MCH +.25v 1000w Cooler Master PSU (inlet ducted underneath the case) 4 x 500GB, 1x750GB disk on the Gigabyte SATA 2 1tB WD MyBook Home eSATA drives for backup Cooler Master CM690 case with 4 AeroCool 140mm fans (two top, one side, one bottom, second side didn't clear the HSF )
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode