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Should PC Builders Buy This in BULK?

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips2.7M viewsFeb 27, 20178:30
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YT
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2.7M
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Description

Thermal paste. Why not buy in bulk? We can think of a few reasons. Buy Thermal Compound on Amazon: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com

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AI OverviewDefault language

The video explores the idea of buying thermal compound in bulk and whether that strategy makes sense for PC builders. It starts by explaining what thermal paste does and why people might consider bulk purchases to save on costs and shipping. The host then opens the bulk product, notes the unusual packaging and color, and discusses the initial impression of the paste, including the separation of oil and how that affects mixing. A real-world test follows: the host compares the bulk paste to a well-regarded IC Diamond on a test rig with a 5960X CPU, using AIDA stress testing to reach thermal equilibrium. The results show that the bulk paste performs poorly in comparison, with higher idle temperatures and slower heat transfer, leading to a clear conclusion that bulk buying is not worth it in this case. The segment also covers practical aspects like application methods and how the bulk product’s value is weighed against performance, ultimately concluding that bulk thermal paste is not a good deal for most builders. The video ends with additional commentary about shopping platforms, Prime benefits, and a reminder to check the description for affiliate links and related content. Overall, the host uses a mix of hands-on testing and humorous delivery to illustrate a common consumer question: does bulk purchasing save money when the product quality and performance can vary so much? The narrative moves from a hypothetical cost-saving motive to concrete performance data, highlighting that cheaper bulk options can underperform and waste money. The takeaway is that value in PC building comes down to actual thermal performance rather than just unit price, and for most users the recommended approach is to buy reputable small quantities from trusted brands rather than bulk goop with questionable performance outcomes.

Topics · hardware · tech-reviews · computer-components · consumer-electronics

Questions answered

Is bulk thermal paste worth buying for a typical PC build?
No, based on the video’s testing, bulk thermal paste performed worse than a high-quality brand, making it not worth the bulk purchase for most users.
What should you consider when evaluating bulk versus branded thermal paste?
Consider price per gram, packaging quality, ease of application, actual thermal performance, and the likelihood of the paste expiring or separating, verified by independent testing.