I have a ROG G16 laptop that supports liquid metal and came with it applied at the factory. I bought it about two and a half years ago and have never replaced the thermal interface. Gaming temperatures have started getting too high, so I'm considering repasting it. Videos showing this model often recommend avoiding liquid metal because it can be difficult to apply safely, potentially spill onto the motherboard, or gradually migrate into the copper heatsink. Liquid metal should provide better thermal performance, though, and I frequently use the laptop for long sessions with sustained medium-to-heavy gaming loads. Would replacing the existing liquid metal be worthwhile, or would a safer option such as PTM7950 be better?
3 Answers
Liquid metal can last several years, so two and a half years alone does not necessarily mean it needs replacing. Before repasting, check for dust buildup, make sure the fans are working properly, and look at your power, temperature, and frame-rate settings. An unlimited frame rate or graphics settings that push the laptop constantly can also be the reason temperatures are high.
PTM7950 is generally the safer recommendation for this situation. It performs very well in laptops, is much easier to handle than liquid metal, and avoids the risk of electrically conductive material spilling onto nearby components. It is a good fit for long gaming sessions and sustained heat.
Liquid metal is only a good choice if you are comfortable applying it very carefully. The heatsink needs to be compatible, and the laptop should not be frequently used at a steep angle because the material can slowly migrate over time. Since it is electrically conductive, even a small unnoticed spill could damage the motherboard. For a frequently moved laptop, PTM7950 offers a better balance of safety and performance.
By long gaming sessions, I mean playing demanding games for extended periods rather than using the laptop for only short bursts.