The world of thermal pastes was stagnant for many years in terms of performance. We had to wait for the liquid metal TIMs to see a thermal conductivity jump, where later manufacturers like Thermal Grizzly released lower-fat versions of these. Today, another top manufacturer such as Thermalright has just announced its new TFX thermal paste, setting a new record of thermal conductivity.
When a manufacturer of heat sinks invests millions of dollars in R & D to try to take a step beyond the thermal performance of their products, expects that these products are accompanied by a thermal compound at the height.
Unfortunately, in most cases, each user includes a compound of their choice with better performance between their CPU and heatsink, which is why Thermalright wants to secure a privileged position among the most topped pastes on the market.
Already last year equaled the figure that another elitist brand introduced in his day. We are talking about Thermal Grizzly with its Kryonaut thermal paste, which obtained a thermal conductivity of 12.5 W / mK, surpassing until now thermal and high-performance veterans such as Artic Silver 5 (9 W / mK).
This was a small step for the traditional thermal greases, which after years of stoppage and zero investment return with force to show that they are not far from their partners in TIM liquid metal.
It seemed that Thermal Grizzly had set a new bar difficult to overcome in years, but already in 2018 we saw Thermalright enter the thermal pasta market from below, with products of entry range, to finally be placed as new king with its TF8 and 13.8 W / mK.
Now and thanks to its new TFX, Thermalright is again exceeded, marking a new record of heat thermal conductivity by raising the figure to 14.3 W / mK.
Last year and this 2019 have been very productive for Thermalright, as it has gone step by step overcoming the brands, including their own.
With TFX leaves the bar at an unprecedented height and is that, from the numerical point of view, its new thermal paste is able to drive 78% more heat than, for example, MX4 or Noctua NH2.
Although we already know that this is not fulfilled in its entirety as pure performance, if it is an indication of what it costs to scratch a degree with a thermal compound.
And is that thermal conductivity is not everything and Thermalright knows it. Factors such as thermal impedance (<0.0075 ºC cm2 / W, specific gravity (3.6 to 25 ºC) or the optimal temperature range, are factors that must be taken into account, as well as the degree of viscosity.
Another fact that always generates controversy is the electrical conductivity, a factor that terrifies many. Fortunately in thermal fats we have been many years where these do not conduct electricity (contrary to what many say and think).
Thermalright TFX was not going to be less, and is that the manufacturer guarantees no electrical conductivity in his new pasta, so we can apply it without fear.
Do not forget that, although pasta as a rule are not conductive, they are capacitive (almost all if not really all are), so they retain energy, either in the form of heat or electrical, so that a correct application (without excess material) is necessary.
Finally, Thermalright will put on sale its new TFX from the 26th of this month, although it has not revealed its price, although its versions, since it will be available in 2 and 6.2 grams respectively.