Does thermal paste really matter?

[sakumatu]

If someone intrested read on
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/geek_tested_17_thermal_pastes_face

 

[Corfate]

Do you mean the brand, or any at all?

Cheaper thermal compound may result in a poorer heat transfer, so increased CPU temps..

 

[sakumatu]

I mean that if anybody interested can read the article about 17 thermal pastes been tested.
Click on link.

 

[tom_gr7]

Good read, I've just ordered some thermal paste and cleaners for a tenner on amazon! WIN WIN

Nice link,

 

[mishra]

Think what this article does not cover is the longevity of the cheap ass pastes. In my experience some of the "cheap" ones quite quickly become hard and solid, while the more expensive ones stay "jelly" like for much longer.
Not sure how this affect the heat conductivity, but prefer seeing "jelly" like pastes upon removal of cooler rather than scrape-off substance.

btw. I use Noctua at home as it came with my cooler, while at work we use some cheap ass stuff we buy in bulk ... but shhhh