[Joe]

See IMHO I think the tim join variability should be assumed. Even if it isnt completely variable for every CPU, its still an unknown. maybe some machine had a bad batch of the TIM joint compound, maybe a big air bubble right over the core when the tim compound was applied, maybe the IHS is warped, etc... Since we cant predict the QC going on for TIM joints I would go with the thought that you cant trust it.

For that fact I think its smart to do one test with the IHS and the additional TIM, and then remove it to do all tests in the future without the IHS assuming that if you want to see the temps in the reviews, you need to remove your IHS.

Its not that big of an assumption to make that people who are serious would remove that.