So what thermal compound are the kids using these days?

[Detale]

Well I was a huge fan of Arctic silver 5 for the longest time. Then I tries the IC Diamond stuff and what a PITA it was to apply but I never saw any noticeable difference. I figure I'm still working on the WC rig slowly and I'm going to order stuff so I need new compound.

So what do you use/recommend guys?

[ronscores]

Arctic MX-2 user here, just because could not get hold of AS5

[Overlord]

I found no difference between the thermal compound that Intel put on their stock cooler & AS5.

[Cabalo]

AS5 here too. Once it gets some bedding, it has produced the best results for me, using WC.

[battues]

I use Thermalright Ultra-120A 1366on my new computer and the Thermalright TRUE Copper 775/1366/AM2 on my "old" computer with the Noctua 120MM Case Fan NF-P12-1300Rpm on both of them and filling very cool

[clocker]

I use AS Ceramique because it's non-conductive and I don't have to worry about getting it on something it shouldn't.

[Detale]

Ceramique??? I thought you were a silver guy Clocker? AS 5 says its also non conductive on the product page.

[clocker]

Seems to me I started using Ceramique because vid card waterblock makers recommended it...EK does, as do DangerDen and Swiftech.
Being a lazy sod, it was easier to just use it on everything.

Personally, I've never seen any evidence of the famous AS5 "settling in" phenomenon...where it gets better after 200 hours of use.
At this point I'm also not terribly concerned about whether there are better compounds available...I'm sure there are but only when my big tube of Ceramique runs out will I worry about it.

[Snee]

Ceramique??? I thought you were a silver guy Clocker? AS 5 says its also non conductive on the product page.

I've seen reviewers state its electrical conductivity is "negligible", and I've this notion that it would conduct at least a little electricity what with it containing silver. I'm not sure how they process it and how it works, though, that's just a notion.

Still using it.

[Detale]

I know what you mean. The UV fluid I was using to cool my rig was supposed to be non conductive as well. I know now first hand it was in fact conductive

Something to think about.