A budget-friendly thermal paste from South Korea, identified as SGT-4 by manufacturer Amech, is reportedly causing significant damage to computer hardware. Users have reported severe corrosion on CPU and cooler surfaces, leading to permanent damage and even rendering components unusable. The paste’s unusual properties and the manufacturer’s response have raised serious concerns within the PC building community.
Key Takeaways
- Cheap Korean thermal paste SGT-4 is causing CPU and cooler damage.
- The paste releases acidic vapors, corroding copper surfaces.
- It also exhibits unusually high adhesive strength, “gluing” components together.
- Manufacturer Amech has responded dismissively to user complaints.
The Corrosive Compound
The SGT-4 thermal paste, widely available online for a low price, has come under scrutiny due to its chemical composition. Investigations and user reports indicate that the paste contains an acetoxy-crosslinked RTV silicone. When exposed to moisture, this compound releases acetic acid, commonly known as vinegar. This acidic vapor is the primary culprit behind the observed damage.
Hardware Damage and Symptoms
Users have documented extensive corrosion on the copper surfaces of CPU coolers and processors. This corrosion manifests as pitting, discoloration, and in severe cases, a strong adhesive bond between the CPU and the cooler, making separation extremely difficult and risky. Some reports even mention etched CPU labels and health complaints attributed to the evaporating acetic acid. While nickel-plated coolers show more resistance, untreated copper surfaces are particularly vulnerable.
Performance Deficiencies
Beyond its corrosive nature, SGT-4 also fails to meet its advertised thermal conductivity claims. The chemical reactions and the resulting surface imperfections create additional air gaps, hindering efficient heat transfer. Instead of filling microscopic imperfections, the paste appears to create new ones, ironically worsening cooling performance.
Manufacturer’s Response
Manufacturer Amech has been criticized for its lack of transparency and dismissive attitude towards customer complaints. The company has primarily cited RoHS and REACH compliance, which do not address the product’s corrosive behavior during use. Attempts to discredit the findings by referring to the lead investigator as merely “a person from Germany” have further eroded trust.
Community Recommendations
In light of these issues, the PC hardware community strongly advises against using SGT-4 thermal paste. Established and reputable brands such as Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut and Arctic MX-6 are recommended as safe and effective alternatives, offering reliable performance without the risk of hardware damage.
Via Igor’s Lab
