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Hardware => Lynx Express => Topic started by: zaccutt on November 19, 2012,

Title: Heat sink compound- where to get cheap?
Post by: zaccutt on November 19, 2012,

I read heat sink compound should be $3 at radio shack. Went to pick some up and it was $13 here. There is tons of it on ebay, anything I should know about the cheap stuff?

http://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=heat+sink+compound&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Or is there a cheap place in Ontario Canada that sells it?

Oh and how much do I need?

Thanks
Zac

Title: Heat sink compound- where to get cheap?
Post by: rm357 on November 19, 2012,

For most of what we do, the cheap white silicone based stuff is sufficient.

For things that really get hot or that I am more concerned about overheating (like the LEDs in the aether), I use some stuff that I had left over from a CPU installation that is a little better.

There is a lot of hype in the heat sink compound market for computer CPUs, but the type used rarely makes more than a few degrees difference in actual performance tests.

Title: Re: Heat sink compound- where to get cheap?
Post by: devoidelk on November 19, 2012,

Radioshack has a small tube for $3 i think.

Title: Re: Heat sink compound- where to get cheap?
Post by: jnealand on November 20, 2012,

Also check with computer stores for heat sink compound.  I bought my last one from Fry Electronics.  Not in Canada, but a big store where they are located.

Title: Re: Heat sink compound- where to get cheap?
Post by: sielbear on November 21, 2012,

I got mine for cheap at the shack too. Tube has lasted FOREVER!

Title: Re: Heat sink compound- where to get cheap?
Post by: tbone321 on November 21, 2012,

You also use very little.  The purpose is to fill the tiny gaps that the materials have to allow better heat transfer.  Blobing it on does little more than to make a mess.