Liquid Metal TIM

[simwad]

Here is a question for the collective knowledge here! In almost every thread involving a new problem on a laptop (maybe on Desktops too, but I don't check those threads!), the first question asked is 'when did you last clean / repaste?'

In recent times quite a few of the PCS laptops come with Liquid Metal thermal compound. What are thoughts on it's lifetime compared to 'regular' compounds? I've looked around the internet, and opinion seems divided, with perhaps more leaning towards fit and forget.

If it isn't fit and forget, why don't PCS switch to something like the graphene Kryosheets (other brands may be available), which reportedly are (fit and forget)?

I'm really interested to hear what the like of Spyder thinks of this....

 

[SpyderTracks]

In almost every thread involving a new problem on a laptop (maybe on Desktops too, but I don't check those threads!), the first question asked is 'when did you last clean / repaste?'

This isn't the case, it's only if symptoms could relate to overheating that's the case.

But with any system, before you can begin troubleshooting you have to be certain both the hardware layer, and software layer are at a point where you can effectively isolate the cause.

If you have loads of factors affecting the results of your stress tests simply due to the system not having been serviced or windows not having been maintained properly, it's going to lead you to a: waste a lot of time and b: identify things that aren't related

So the very first thing you do on any system is make sure hardware and software are where they need to be, only then can you begin troubleshooting.

On a laptop, servicing is often not done as people don't realise, and so it's almost always asked as a first port of call before continuing IF the symptoms could be related to overheating

How troubleshooting works

Hiya Just a little note for some people who may not understand the process of troubleshooting. With any troubleshooting, the first thing you need to do is identify the problematic component, weather it's software or hardware. The easiest way a lot of the time given how quick it is these days...

www.pcspecialist.co.uk

In recent times quite a few of the PCS laptops come with Liquid Metal thermal compound. What are thoughts on it's lifetime compared to 'regular' compounds? I've looked around the internet, and opinion seems divided, with perhaps more leaning towards fit and forget.

Only 2 models do, the Recoil and the older Ionico which is no longer in stock, they were both models that required the external watercooler and are both TongFang chassis.

The current Ionico model actually now uses a phase change pad rather than Liquid Metal.

All we know is PCS have said if any re-application of LM is required, they need to be contacted to do this to retain warranty. Liquid Metal is very different from thermal paste, it's conductive and corrosive, so if you apply too much, or spill any, you run the risk of shorting the motherboard or it burning through surrounding areas of the PCB or other metals.

As with any TIM application, you simply have to monitor your temps, if they start creeping up, it's time for a service.

I would love to see Kryosheet being an option, more importantly on laptops where paste degrades far quicker.

Thermal Grizzly have a new paste out called Duronaut which also doesn’t degrade but I don’t think has the improved nearly LM performance of the Kryosheet, but again it’s a far better option on a laptop.

Paste technology has moved on very quickly in the last 5 years.

 

[Paul1964]

I'm currently running on Kryosheet. Thermals are good. The Liquid Metal was a real pain to clean up though.

 

[SpyderTracks]

I'm currently running on Kryosheet. Thermals are good. The Liquid Metal was a real pain to clean up though.

I'm on a Kryosheet too, never used liquid metal, but the performance of the Kryosheet is so damn good, and just set it and forget it, I have absolutely no need for Liquid Metal over the Kryosheet.

 

[simwad]

It's a shame PCS don't offer Kryosheet as an option (I have it to install on my older laptop).