Skorpan
Level 2 (375 points)

Q: G5 2.7 Dual, best way to cool the CPU's

What's better for keeping the CPU's cool, thermal pads or Artic Silver 5? I am thinking artic silver but a second opinion would be welcomed.

G5 Dual 2.7, Mac OS X (10.4.3), ATI Radeon 9650, 4.5GB

Posted on May 22, 2011 11:35 AM

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Skorpan

Q: G5 2.7 Dual, best way to cool the CPU's

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  • by BDAqua,

    BDAqua BDAqua May 22, 2011 12:06 PM in response to Skorpan
    Level 10 (123,905 points)
    May 22, 2011 12:06 PM in response to Skorpan

    I'd use this instead of AS5 or pads...

     

    http://www.arcticsilver.com/cmq2.html

     

    japamac likely has a couple of great suggestions later also.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder May 22, 2011 2:45 PM in response to Skorpan
    Level 9 (61,390 points)
    Desktops
    May 22, 2011 2:45 PM in response to Skorpan

    Thermal pads are a compromise that allows for easier dis-assembly and re-assembly. They are measurably less efficient. If proper cooling is your intent, use thermal compound over thermal pads any day.

  • by japamac,

    japamac japamac May 22, 2011 3:03 PM in response to Skorpan
    Level 7 (24,390 points)
    May 22, 2011 3:03 PM in response to Skorpan

    Arctic Silver 5 is the best of the old school, but is outperformed by newer, safer to use conmpounds.

     

    Arctic Cooling MX-3 or MX-4 are both tested on my CPUs to show improved cooling by over 2.5ºC as compared to AS5.

    Internet reviews all show improved cooling with MX compounds.

     

    The MX compounds have a use life (after application) of 8 years, whereas AS5 is 3-4 years.

    Neither of the MX compounds are electrically conductive, so there is no worry of shorting components with excess compound as there is with AS5.

     

    Another benefit of the MX compounds is that there is no curing period.

    AS5 requires up to 200 hours to reach full thermal conductivity, whereas MX compounds require zero hours curing.

  • by Skorpan,

    Skorpan Skorpan May 23, 2011 6:08 AM in response to japamac
    Level 2 (375 points)
    May 23, 2011 6:08 AM in response to japamac

    That's what I thought, thanks for the reply. MX-4 seems the way to go.

     

    On a side note I'm re-fitting a G5 2.7 Dual. The LCS is OK and has no major leaks except for some 'rice crystals' around the defective 'O-rings', I intend to fit new rings and refill the LCS. I removed the power source today, it was covered in dust after cleaning the mac seems a little cooler (idle at 57°). I have seen the info at 'xlr8yourmac.com' and it seems pretty straightforward, but does anyone have any thoughts about the new coolant refill, specifically on the 'in - out' route for the coolant and how to avoid getting air in the system?

     

    Many thanks!