Zalman's 9900Max thermal paste or Xigmatek?

[WiL11o6]

I just bought the Zalman 9900 Max from Newegg and it throws in a free stick of Xigmatek thermal paste seen here.

I am wondering if I should use the included Zalman thermal paste, or the Xigmatek one, or it doesn't really matter?

 

[mhenley]

They're both silicone based, and I would never use either of them in my rig... I also would never use a Zalman 9900, but that is neither the question nor the issue.

Looking at the specs for the included paste vs the Xigmatek paste, the Xigmatek has a slightly higher thermal conductivity rating but a lower specific gravity, meaning it should conduct heat better (barely) but is also thinner. My personal favorite is AC MX-4, but according to Tom's Hardware the Zalman ZM-STG2 holds its own pretty well with some of the top contenders.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/268354-29-thermal-compound-roundup-2011

More important than the paste you choose is how you apply it. Do not spread! ~1:51 shows why.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=EyXLu1Ms-q4

 

[WiL11o6]

Thanks for the help. But what's wrong with a 9900 if I may ask?

 

[mhenley]

Multiple reviews show the best air coolers right now are the TRUE, Silver Arrow, Archon, Macho, NH-D14, Mugen 2 and others. In my rig though, I have fallen in love with the Corsair H50 and will probably never go back to air cooling.