Thermal grease Zalman ZM-STG2: a review, specifications and reviews

Modern computer technology, which has several types of components that, in their work, produce heat, needs a high-quality and efficient cooling. Regardless of how this equipment is used, its stable operation is the most important task. Therefore, different types of cooling are used in personal computers, laptops and mobile devices. These are mainly coolers, water plants and radiator grids, plates, etc.

To ensure maximum cooling efficiency, a special substance is applied to the power element that emits a large amount of heat: thermal paste. It allows to increase the rate of heat exchange between the heated part and the cooling device.

Today, computer technology, as well as components for it, are developing at a tremendous speed. Manufacturers offer the consumer more and more perfect products. This is also true for thermal grease. One of the most popular options is the Zalman ZM-STG2, which you can read about in this article.

Thermal grease from Zalman

ZM-STG 2 is the most modern in the range of this manufacturer and can be supplied as a complete set with cooling systems or separately from components. The substance is contained in a syringe, the volume of which is 3.5 grams. This amount is quite enough for several months of care for computer hardware components. The color of the thermal grease is gray, which is typical for Zalman products.

The main parameter for the coolant is the thermal conductivity, which is responsible for the transfer of heat from a heated to a less heated surface. This process will work until the same temperature is established on the heat-generating element and the cooling system.

Measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal resistance

The thermal conductivity in W / (meter * Kelvin) is measured. A unit indicates the amount of heat that passes through an hour through a material whose thickness is 1 meter, and the area is 1 square meter. meter. The temperature difference between the two surfaces should not exceed 1 K.

Another not less important parameter affecting thermal conductivity of thermal paste is the thermal resistance of the substance. It interferes with the heat exchange between the surfaces, and must also be taken into account when calculating the efficiency. For each model of thermal paste on the packaging, the value of the thermal interface is indicated, which is a combination of the two parameters described above.

Characteristics of the ZM-STG 2 thermal interface

The new thermal paste from Zalman received high thermal conductivity, which exceeds the characteristics of the previous model ZM-STG 1 by 3.5 times. Thanks to this, the temperature of the personal computer components will be significantly lowered during operation, which, in turn, will positively affect the operation of the entire system.

Thermal conductivity of Zalman ZM STG2 thermal paste is 4.1 W / (m * K). This is a fairly high indicator, competing with all modern analogues. The thermal resistance of ZM-STG2 is 0.080 K * cm² / W. Thanks to such indicators, this thermal paste is perfect for cooling both the central processor of a personal computer and a high-end video card.

Properties of ZM-STG 2

The Zalman ZM-STG2 Thermal Grease features a wide temperature range, in which it retains its thermal conductivity properties. Normal operation is possible from 45 degrees Celsius and up to +150.

The positive physical properties of thermal paste include its rather thick consistency, due to which the agent when applied to the surface does not spread. In addition, such properties help to avoid accidentally entering the mixture on other important parts of the computer. It is worth noting that to remove the components, which were applied Zalman ZM-STG 2, you need to make small efforts.

To the disadvantages of Zalman ZM STG2 thermal paste, it is possible to include a rather complicated procedure of extrusion from a syringe. This will be especially familiar to those who previously encountered mixtures of the MX-2 or MX-4. Due to the strong rolling of thermal paste at one point, it is quite difficult to apply it to the entire surface with a uniform layer. But, as mentioned earlier, such properties help to avoid its getting to other elements of the system, which could lead to malfunctions in the PC.

Test procedure for thermal paste testing

Despite the fact that the thermal paste is not the most important element in the computer, testing it on real tests is not the easiest task. It is especially difficult to compare two competing models, since the differences between them are not as noticeable as when testing other components. No less important in performing thermal interface tests is its correct application to the power element, as well as uniform distribution over the entire surface.

To check whether the Zalman ZM STG2 meets the specifications of the manufacturer, the test bench uses the most hot iron. For these purposes, the processor from Intel-Core i7 920 is well suited , which heats up to sufficiently high temperatures with overclocking. As the main cooling, air coolers were chosen, since most owners are they. Water cooling, of course, is more effective, but it is used much less often, and tests with it are conducted in separate surveys.

Correct application of thermal paste

No less important aspect when replacing thermal paste is its correct application to the surface. Insufficient amount of the substance can lead to an increase in the heating of the components. Similarly, it affects the operation of the PC and a too thick layer, which, despite its thermal conductivity, can interfere with the normal heat transfer between the processor and the cooling. To avoid the aforementioned problems, it is sufficient to adhere to the rules for applying thermal grease and to ensure that the layer is at the same time thin, but at the same time applied evenly to the entire surface of the heating element.

Also it is worth considering that the results of synthetic testing of the thermal interface in the laboratory may differ from the real indicators that the user will encounter. This difference occurs for the following reasons:

• Various components used in conducting tests;
• Climatic features of the premises;
• Different amount of thermal paste used in testing.

At the same time, even those tests that may differ from the result of the buyer, allow to get an overall picture of the new cooling mix Zalman ZM STG2, reviews about which are quite versatile.

Test results

Making a review on the Zalman ZM STG2, users used various thermal greases from well-known manufacturers for testing and comparison. The following models proved to be the most highly effective:

• Arctic Cooling MX-2;
• Arctic Cooling MX-4;
• Prolimatech PK-1;
• Thermalright Chill Factor III;
• Zalman ZM-STG2.

All of the above coolants are good at the task and are suitable for use in high-performance computers. And for those who do not have a need for top solutions for thermal pads, low-efficiency, but cheap solutions, such as Akasa AK and Thermaltake TG-2, are good.

Conclusion

Zalman ZM STG2, the characteristics of which were discussed above, proved to be quite effective and at the same time not the most expensive. Compared to the top model of the competing brand MX-4, whose thermal conductivity is 8 W / m * K, the ZM-STG2 from Zalman reduces the temperature slightly better, despite the passport data, which only shows 4 W / m * K.

Better buying for the owner of a powerful PC is undoubtedly the thermal paste Zalman ZM STG2, reviews of which also confirm high efficiency and reliability. Especially urgent is the choice of thermal interface for laptop owners who do not have the physical ability to improve the cooling system of their device. By choosing ZM STG2, the device owner can be calm for the operability and durability of his computer equipment.