Popular Thermal Paste Reportedly Causing CPU and Cooler Damage Through Corrosion

Thermal Paste Investigation Reveals Hardware Risks

Computer hardware enthusiasts are facing concerning reports about a popular thermal paste that sources indicate may be damaging CPUs and cooling systems. According to technical analysis, the product marketed as SGT-4 by South Korean company Amech appears to contain compounds that corrode metal surfaces and potentially fuse processors to heatsinks.

Thermal Paste Investigation Reveals Hardware Risks
Technical Analysis Points to Reactive Compounds
Physical Bonding Creates Removal Challenges
User Reports Corroborate Findings
Product Availability and Safety Concerns
Company Background Questions

Technical Analysis Points to Reactive Compounds

Independent testing by PC hardware specialist Igor Wallossek of IgorsLab reportedly identified unstable components in the thermal interface material. The analysis suggests the paste uses an acetoxy-crosslinked RTV silicone base containing methyltriacetoxysilane, which releases acetic acid when exposed to moisture. This chemical reaction allegedly causes copper oxidation and creates the vinegar-like odor that users have reported.

The corrosion reportedly causes surface pitting on both processors and cooler contact plates, creating air gaps that reduce thermal transfer efficiency. Analysts suggest this undermines the product’s primary function while simultaneously damaging expensive computer components.

Physical Bonding Creates Removal Challenges

According to the technical report, the chemical composition causes the paste to harden over time, creating what sources describe as “an immense separating force” required to remove heatsinks from processors. This bonding effect could potentially lead to damaged CPUs during cooler removal or maintenance procedures.

The report states that partial cross-linking within the compound increases adhesiveness beyond normal thermal paste characteristics, essentially gluing components together in a manner that violates standard expectations for thermal interface materials.

User Reports Corroborate Findings

Complaints about Amech’s SGT-4 have surfaced on South Korean technical forums, with Quasar Zone users reporting similar corrosion and bonding issues. Metallurgy experts on the platform have reportedly confirmed the technical analysis findings, though Amech has dismissed these reports as baseless.

The company maintains that their product contains no hazardous substances and complies with regulatory requirements, though they have reportedly not addressed the specific corrosion allegations directly. Instead, analysts suggest the company has referenced environmental certifications that bear no relevance to the metal corrosion concerns.

Product Availability and Safety Concerns

The thermal paste remains widely available through major online retailers including Amazon and Newegg, where it maintains relatively high ratings that could mislead potential buyers. Technical experts recommend consumers exercise caution and consider established alternatives from reputable manufacturers.

For those seeking reliable thermal solutions, analysts suggest proven products such as Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, Arctic MX-6, or Noctua NT-H2 that maintain thermal performance without the reported corrosion risks. These alternatives have extensive testing histories and established safety records within the computing community.

Company Background Questions

Little verified information exists about Amech beyond its identification as a South Korean brand. The company reportedly lacks an official website, professional email domain, or verifiable physical address, raising questions about its operational transparency. Sources indicate it remains unclear whether the product was developed by Korean engineers or represents a rebranded import.

As the situation develops, hardware enthusiasts are advised to research thermal compounds thoroughly before purchase and monitor technical forums for additional information regarding this concerning report.