CPU heat has presented an interesting problem since the dawn of the computer decades ago. Whether you are a hardcore overclocker, or are merely attempting to build the most stable system possible, extraordinary cooling solutions must be relied upon in order to dissipate heat in a reliable manner. In order to keep pace with newer and hotter components, companies like Tuniq, a division of Sunbeamtech, offer up creative new products to help beat the heat. Tuniq TX-2 is their latest thermal compound, and we’re going to see how it measures up.
Review Sample provided by: Tuniq
Review by: Tomikaze
Pictures by: Tomikaze and Garfi3ld
Specifications:
Appearance: Grey
Viscosity: 285000 cP
Thermal conductivity: 4.5W/mK
Operating temperature: -45°C ~ 200°C
Specific Gravity: 3.96 @ 25°C
Volume: 0.007 lbs. (3.5g)
Packaging:
Nothing out of the ordinary here, one 3.5 gram injection tube of TX-2 in a plastic sleeve sealed at the top with a black cardboard display hanger adorned with white text. Really though, if you buy thermal compound because of the pretty packaging, you need professional help. The text on the package as well as the tube tells you the specs of the product with the description on the tube displaying word for word the information above.The injection tube itself is a convenient method of storing the compound, with a screw-on cap to prevent a mess.
Performance:
This is where the true test begins. For this test I used a Xigmatek HDT-S1283 Rifle CPU Cooler, equipped with a Scythe 3000 Ultra Kaze fan instead of the stock fan. I have a few notes to mention because there is no doubt some will question my methods, and I encourage that. First of all, I have had seating issues with this cooler due to the push pin locking mechanism, so anyone else with the same cooler may experience radically better temperatures. Regardless, these temps are all taken with the same cooler, so they can be accurately compared. Arctic Silver 5 results were taken after sufficient curing time.
The test rig is configured as follows:
EVGA 780i motherboard
Q6600 G0 stepping processor running at stock (2.4 GHz)
EVGA 9800GTX
4 GB Mushkin ram
400 GB 7200RPM Western Digital Hard drive
We will compare the change between idle and load temps when running the quad core prime95 blend torture test. For each compound we looked at only the first core for consistency. RealTemp 2.5 was our temperature monitor of choice.
As you can see, the differences are subtle but important for an enthusiast. TX-2 eked out a slightly better performance than both the stock paste and Arctic Silver 5, both at idle and at load. Don’t despair, however, Arctic Silver fans. Their thermal compound performed admirably, with the lowest change in temperature from idle to load.
Overall:
When compared to the competition, TX-2 wins hands down. It is an effective, non-conductive thermal compound, which, unlike Arctic Silver, does not require curing time in order to be efficient. So what does one say about perfection? All I can do is heartily recommend Tuniq’s TX-2 thermal compound for any build and anyone.
