Why it issues: Making use of thermal paste is a kind of PC constructing duties that sounds easy in concept however could be a actual ache in observe. You possibly can attempt to be as cautious as potential when spreading that little dollop of goo evenly throughout the CPU’s warmth spreader, however one fallacious transfer and you find yourself with a multitude or uneven protection. Effectively, say goodbye to these worries with the genius X-Apply thermal paste applicator.
This “idiot-proof” device is mainly a giant stencil that matches proper over your CPU socket. Quite than making use of paste on to the CPU, you smear it throughout the stencil’s floor. The stencil has a exact sample of holes that permits the right quantity of paste to move by means of onto the warmth spreader under in a flawless, even layer. It is such a easy thought it virtually makes you surprise why nobody got here up with it earlier than.
The brains behind X-Apply are the oldsters at DigitalBlizzard and famend tech tester Igor Wallossek from Igor’s Lab. After some collaboration and refinement, they’ve created a product that makes making use of thermal paste a complete breeze, even for first-time builders.
The discussions concerning the right utility of thermal paste are as outdated because the pastes themselves. Cause sufficient to consider an utility help that’s as foolproof as potential 🙂https://t.co/Zt3pQPS2bD pic.twitter.com/J2l1kMivz6
– Igor Wallossek (@IgorWallossek) April 25, 2024
Wallossek put X-Apply to the take a look at on an Intel Core i9-13900K operating at a beefy 200W energy degree. Evaluating its thermal efficiency to a traditional “sausage” sample paste utility, he discovered the X-Apply technique saved issues only a few levels cooler on common. The typical temperatures stood at 73°C with a 77°C peak utilizing the stencil, in comparison with 75°C and 78°C with out. Not an evening and day distinction, however an necessary enchancment nonetheless, contemplating the sausage technique was beforehand discovered to be the greatest thermal utility approach.
Extra importantly, X-Apply eliminates the potential for uneven or incomplete paste protection that may occur with guide utility. These naked spots on the warmth spreader are a particular no-no for efficient warmth switch.
Whereas cautious guide utility can definitely get the job achieved for a single construct, X-Apply shines for anybody constructing PCs en masse – whether or not that is system builders, fans steadily swapping CPUs, or overclockers consistently reapplying paste. As a substitute of painstakingly reapplying paste for the one centesimal time, simply smear, peel, and also you’re good to go.
X-Apply movies should not commercially accessible simply but, however they’re coming quickly in particular variations for the newest AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1800 sockets, in addition to a common “X-Apply X” that may be customized lower.