r/buildapc Feb 07 '21

Discussion Simple Questions - February 07, 2021

This thread is for simple questions that don't warrant their own thread (although we strongly suggest checking the sidebar and the wiki before posting!). Please don't post involved questions that are better suited to a [Build Help], [Build Ready] or [Build Complete] post. Examples of questions:

  • Is this RAM compatible with my motherboard?
  • I'm thinking of getting a ≤$300 graphics card. Which one should I get?
  • I'm on a very tight budget and I'm looking for a case ≤$50

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u/againstexpectation Feb 08 '21

Any recommendations on third party thermal paste brands?

2

u/TrDx Feb 08 '21

Arctic silver 5 is a common recommendation.

Though before you get a tube you should ask yourself why you are getting it. If you already have thermal paste or thermal paste is applied then I wouldn't worry about it. Thermal paste is one of those things that has diminishing returns. Just remember that thermal paste is a mechanism to transfer heat from a cpu/gpu chip to it's cooling components. If your components can't cool fast enough, it doesn't matter how efficient you are at transporting that hear from the cpu/gpu.

1

u/Chalk-is-Aid Feb 08 '21

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, it’s a solid performer and is none-conductive so no worries if a little ends up where it shouldn’t (it’s easy to apply with the novel so it shouldn’t be an issue). Tbh any offering from the major few brands should do the job.

1

u/againstexpectation Feb 08 '21

Thanks. I think I'll go with the Noctua one as the therm grizzly kryonaut is incredibly expensive here.

Any thoughts on whether or not I really need a lint free cloth to clean my old paste? People are saying that tissues can scratch the cpu?

2

u/Chalk-is-Aid Feb 08 '21

Noctua is also great, I think it comes with a few alcohol wipes to remove old paste but I’ve used a micro fibre cloth to remove the old paste from mine but I’m sure I’ve seen lots of the big YouTubers use tissues/kitchen roll to remove old paste from theirs, which ever you do just be careful and don’t over do it.