Heat sink compound- where to get cheap?

[zaccutt]

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?

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

Oh and how much do I need?

Thanks
Zac

[rm357]

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.

[devoidelk]

Radioshack has a small tube for $3 i think.

[jnealand]

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.

[sielbear]

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

[tbone321]

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.