Originally Posted by Chunky_Chimp

Relevant to your link, Benchmark Reviews did a 33-way compound test using all the best thermal compounds, however the tests might not be as stressful as they could have been, so real performance of each paste may not have been fully explored. Here is where you'll find the narrowed-down comparison of the best compounds in the bunch; I can only imagine how long it took to put the article together. But I'll stick with what Marin said, that OCZ's Freeze compound has been known to be best around here.

Originally Posted by Sonorously

Do not get the Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer. It's a pain to mount and impossible to remove. I've been trying to remove it for the past month to re-apply thermal paste and it's a no go. The aluminum fins usually come bent, and are prone to bend easily. The cooler is also unable to do push/pull and is tall and wide compared to other coolers. They also use a cheap metal wires to clip the fan to the heatsink. Although the temperatures are extremely good for the price, the overall build quality is horrid. I've seen people complain about snapping their motherboards when trying to mount this heatsink.

Read this from a newegg review:

"Also, for you AMD CPU users, this isn't your hook and lock with the swing lever install, it's one of them hook and push down clips. You'll need a certain level of dexterity to push down and lock it. It is one of those where if the flat head slips, you'll be nailin the mobo good. Consider if your new to HSFs."

Originally Posted by stargate125645

Thanks for the link! Though I must point out that the tests basically showed negligible difference between any of the thermal interface materials, so any difference could easily be attributed to data scatter. To that end, I find their conclusion to be a bit suspect.

I shall avoid it!

I am thinking of going with the TRUE Black (lapped by CrazyPC) and some ICD7. However, I am a little worried about their warranty policy - namely that if they botch the lapping job and/or the heatsink is screwed during shipping I won't be able to get my money back. How hard is a TRUE to lap since it is so convex at the base? I'm still looking for people who've had experience with CrazyPC to comfort me!

Originally Posted by Marin

I find lapping to be very easy. If you take your time it's basically impossible to mess up.

Originally Posted by stargate125645

With the black finish though I can't use an indelible marker to track my progress to make sure I'm providing an even lapping, and that's what I'm worried about.

Originally Posted by Marin

The black on the cooler is more of a tint, so you will see the sharpie marks from the start.

Originally Posted by stargate125645

Well since I have time to kill before I decide which CPU to go with I will give it a shot. I'm coming after you if it doesn't work though!

Where's the best place to get the ICD7 from? And has anyone purchased from Sidewider Computers before? They seem to be the cheapest.

Originally Posted by Marin

Sidewinder is definitely legit.

Originally Posted by stargate125645

Thank you for your help! I've purchased the TRUE Black and a lapping kit. Now I just need to decide what sort of fan I would like to use assuming I choose something besides my Silverstone FM121.

Originally Posted by Marin

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...roducts_id=477

Match that up with a fan controller. Or you can get the medium speed version which is around 80CFM.