Mwave has the 5-pack Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Compound 1.5-gram syringe for $4 with free shipping. This review finds that it is 3-4% better than Arctic Silver 5, which has been a trusty heat sink compound for many years.
^^ Actually it does matter, avoid silicone oil based greases as the oil and solids separate over time when subjected to large temperature changes and the oil pumps out leaving inferior performance. That's a fatal flaw with all the supposedly thorough reviews, they only tell you how a compound performs after a few thermal cycles or the curing time period.
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=150&Itemid=62&limit=1&limitstart=12
^ A sign of the times, everyone gets an A.
Translation, it doesn't matter a lick what you use, just buy the cheapest you can find.
KY jelly?
^^ Actually it does matter, avoid silicone oil based greases as the oil and solids separate over time when subjected to large temperature changes and the oil pumps out leaving inferior performance. That's a fatal flaw with all the supposedly thorough reviews, they only tell you how a compound performs after a few thermal cycles or the curing time period.
#2 here is older review without grades:
http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=138&Itemid=1&limit=1&limitstart=3
I also read somewhere that compound needs to be re-applied every year or so, but that is over the edge IMHO.
The review linked by leothelion is baloney. The guy has neither good enough test methods nor enough data to draw any conclusion whatsoever. Disregard.
Not commenting on you, leo. Just the review.
#3-- For best results, try the new jalapeno KY jelly. Guaranteed excitement.