They actually sent me newer ceramique2, either way I find ceramique paste the best solution because of it's thickness (high viscosity) and non-metallic composition without sacrifising performanse.
I use AS5, arctic silver 5. its supposed to be slightly capacitive, but not a concern for torches. Most importantly its one of the better heat conductive pastes according to numerous reviews in the computing world.
I paid $19 for a large syringe (12grams i think it was) but its a tube I know I will never finish in my time with computers and LEDs, and theres always the comfort of knowing that its a mixture that can be trusted. I think my local computer store also sold the 3.5gram tube for $9
It could be called overkill for torches, but cooling LEDs is the biggest bottleneck in torches, and a few degrees here and there are always welcome.
You would probably do as well with any other name brand paste, and most unbranded stuff works nearly as well anyway. Even water works fine as a thermal paste, its just about how well it holds up over time, the stability of the compound, which seems to be a problem with many of the cheaper pastes I've found, where the oil suspension is lost and you end up with dry crusty remains.
The Ceramique certainly looks interesting... especially since it's one of the cheapest branded ones around.
Although metal-based pastes transfer heat better (tests I've seen talk about 2-5 degrees C typically, although I've seen reports about over 10 degrees sometimes), I think I prefer completely non-conductive and non-capacitive compounds, just seems a bit safer.
Should I think of applying the paste on the driver as well? Will the 7135s benefit from it?
Haggai, I think you are confusing thermal grease with thermal paste/glue. Thermal paste or glue will harden or bond. It is best used for securing LED stars to heatsinks and for potting drivers which it sounds like you want.
Thermal grease is best used for threads where you want heat conductivity but want to be able to remove something easily down the line.
You should ideally get both types. I don't recommend using thermal grease on emitter stars. The reason I don't is that when tightening down a reflector or bezel the reflector can press on the star and twist it resulting in your LED connection wires getting guillotined. I always used a quality thermal paste to avoid having this happen (took me 2 incidences before I learned my lesson) and I prefer to use Fujik because it conducts well for a non-metallic compound and is non-conductive so it is great for potting drivers too.
The benefit for using a paste/glue on drivers (instead of a grease like compound) is that the glue will harden and protect the electrical components from impact induced failure while still conducting heat away from the components. Using a grease like compound will help with heat but do nothing to protect the components.
Do I remember correctly reading somewhere (DX review?) where someone suggested mixing thermal compound and thermal glue 50/50 if you want to be able to remove it later (but not have it easily removed now)? Anyone comment on this?
DX has the same, but people are saying that it hardens like crazy, and probably will not be able to come off without damage.
I dont know if all of my lights have it, but the lights that I opened up, I could take off the star pretty easily… it had some white stuff underneath.
Im just afraid of using this thermal glue, and not being able to take it off anymore.
that arctic silver is $8.50 shipped, which is like 6 times the one I just posted.