Best Thermal paste for GPU ( Noctua-NH1 vs Cooler master extreme fusion)

[Ravi_Singh1900]

Hi,

I have Zotac gtx 970 (dual fan) version its runs very hot 80-85 Deg at power limit set to 100% and at 106% power limit the temps raise to 90 Degs Celcuis plus. I see no artificats whats so ever, meaning the GPU is bearing the heat pretty fine.

I dont wanna put an aftermarket vga cooler on this thing. I recently changed the gpu paste with Cooler master value 1C and it did reduced temps slightly by 3-5 Deg C. So I am just planning to apply a better quality thermal paste on the gpu to reduce temps, my options are noctua nh1, cooler master xtreme or arctic silver 5. Which of them will be better, all of them cost the same at my place?

Also, what do you guys think can a aftermarket thermal paste, change drop gpu temps?

 

[jossrik]

If you've got a decent thermal paste in there, then a new decent thermal paste won't make much difference. Of the three, I think the arctic silver is most popular, but the noctua is good too, haven't had any experience with the cooler master, but I'd bet it's right in the same arena. New thermal paste can get you a few degrees C cooler, but not a lot.

 

[IceMyth]

Hi,

I tried 2 thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech

Noctua was the best one, but if you dont have any heating issues then no point of doing that as applying new paste might lower the temp 1-4c only if the best case. I applied the paste because the GPU was so old and I took my PC apart to fit in the suit case.

Regards,

 

[boju]

As said above give or take best 5c off, won't be a whole lot of difference but you can give it a go. Noctua is well known for their good performing thermal grease and agreed cooler master would be up there too give or take a degree.

Hows your case airflow?

 

[Ravi_Singh1900]

If you've got a decent thermal paste in there, then a new decent thermal paste won't make much difference. Of the three, I think the arctic silver is most popular, but the noctua is good too, haven't had any experience with the cooler master, but I'd bet it's right in the same arena. New thermal paste can get you a few degrees C cooler, but not a lot.

Actually the cooler master 1C is the kind of very low performing paste, thats why I am shifting to a better TIM.

 

[Ravi_Singh1900]

Hi,

I tried 2 thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech

Noctua was the best one, but if you dont have any heating issues then no point of doing that as applying new paste might lower the temp 1-4c only if the best case. I applied the paste because the GPU was so old and I took my PC apart to fit in the suit case.

Regards,

Temps are insane for the gtx 970, the gpu should run cooler with only 145 watts TDP. The card is running on upper limits of temperatures.

 

[IceMyth]

Hi,

I tried 2 thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech

Noctua was the best one, but if you dont have any heating issues then no point of doing that as applying new paste might lower the temp 1-4c only if the best case. I applied the paste because the GPU was so old and I took my PC apart to fit in the suit case.

Regards,

Temps are insane for the gtx 970, the gpu should run cooler with only 145 watts TDP. The card is running on upper limits of temperatures.

Try this before buying and applying the Thermal paste if you havent. Open one side of the case while playing and see what temps you are getting. If you are getting normal temp (less than 90c) then the airflow is the faulty here if not try to buy the thermal paste.

Regards,

 

[Ravi_Singh1900]

Hi,

I tried 2 thermal pastes:
1- Noctua Thermal Compound NT-H1
2- Startech

Noctua was the best one, but if you dont have any heating issue then no point of doing that as applying new paste might lower the temp 1-4c only if the best case. I applied the paste because the GPU was so old and I took my PC apart to fit in the suit case.

Regards,

Temps are insane for the gtx 970, the gpu should run cooler with only 145 watts TDP. The card is running on upper limits of temperatures.

Try this before buying and applying the Thermal paste if you havent. Open one side of the case while playing and see what temps you are getting. If you are getting normal temp (less than 90c) then the airflow is the faulty here if not try to buy the thermal paste.

Regards,

Its a old Cooler Master Case and is moded, on one side has fine wire mesh. I can see the whole system running. I dont think airflow issues is there. Temps are lower than 90 DegC. Only on Overclocking they go near to that. I want them below 70 Deg C.

HOwever, I will try this and update. Alternatively I am thinking of installing a high cfm fan near GPU and applying the thermal paste. Together they might make difference subtle difference.

 

[Ravi_Singh1900]

Used Notcua Nh-1 on GPU, used rice grain method to apply it. Also did some tweaking with fan curve. The max. temps have dropped by 10 Deg!!! Max temp now is 74 Deg C after overclocking w/o oc it doesn't budges past 70 Deg C.