Choosing the best thermal paste may appear simple, but there are so many possibilities that it may quickly become a time-consuming chore. Thermal paste is used to fill up microscopic air gaps and imperfections between the cooler’s surface and the CPU’s IHS (integrated heat spreader), a piece of metal incorporated into the processor’s top.
Thermal paste can significantly improve computer performance by allowing your processor to transfer more of its waste heat to your cooler, keeping your processor cool. If you plan on overclocking your machine to its maximum potential, selecting the best thermal paste is also critical. When combined with a good thermal paste, even the finest gaming CPUs can typically attain somewhat higher overclocks.
The term “thermal compound,” “thermal grease,” or “TIM” are all terms used to describe thermal paste (Thermal Interface Material). The majority of pastes are made composed of ceramic or metallic components suspended in a proprietary binder that enables easy application, distribution, and cleanup.
Depending on the recipe, these thermal pastes might be electrically conductive or non-conductive. Thermal pastes that are electrically conductive can transmit electricity between two places, which means that if the paste squeezes out onto other components, it can harm motherboards and CPUs when the power is turned on. A single drop out of place can result in a dead computer, thus extra caution is required.
Best Premium (Standard) Thermal Paste
1. ProlimaTech PK-3 Nano Aluminum
SPECIFICATIONS
- No, it is not electrically conductive.
- 11.2 W/mk Thermal Conductivity
- 4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
- 4.0 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
- Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
The cost per gramme is $3.60.
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY: US$37.11
REASONS TO PURCHASE +Stability +Ease of Use +Ease of Cleaning
REASONS TO AVOID -Non-essential
PromilaTech PK-3 Nano Aluminum paste is a moderately viscous thermal compound integrated with aluminium and zinc oxide that often hangs close to but does not overtake, liquid metal compounds in our experiments. The paste has good stability, making it simple to apply and clean up on a variety of surfaces. You can’t go wrong with this paste; it’ll suffice for the majority of CPU tasks.
2. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
- SPECIFICATIONS
No, it is not electrically conductive.
12.5 W/mk Thermal Conductivity
4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
4.0 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
The cost per gramme is $9.99.
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY US$9.49 , US$13.49
REASONS TO PURCHASE
- +Stability
- +Easy to operate
- +Easy to take care of
REASONS TO STAY AWAY
-Cost per gramme
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is a somewhat viscous thermal compound with excellent stability that is easy to work with and resists drips and runs. This paste is popular among system builders since it is simple to use and clean up.
3. Cooler Master MasterGel Pro v2
SPECIFICATIONS
Thermal Conductivity: 9 W/mkElectrically Conductive: No
4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
3.5 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
2.57 cents per gramme
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+Easy to apply and remove
+Available right now
REASONS TO STAY AWAY
-Affordable per-gram cost
A thermal compound with typical properties such as thick, pliable viscosity and strong application stability. MasterGel Pro v2 is a breeze to work with, apply, and clean up. Individual ingredients are not listed on technical spec sheets.
4. Arctic MX-5
All-Round Performer: The Best Premium Paste
SPECIFICATIONS
No, it is not electrically conductive.
6.0 W/mk Thermal Conductivity
4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
4.0 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
2.75 cents per gramme
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+Easy to apply and remove
+Smooth and quick spread
+Excellent overall performance
REASONS TO STAY AWAY
-Affordable per-gram cost
MX-5 is a new compound that is built on carbon micro-particulates in what is presumed to be a silicon or silicone basis. It does not directly replace their famous MX-4, but it is a new formulation for hobbyist use. The somewhat blue hue and smooth, viscous composition have a slightly more fluid viscosity, similar to thin toothpaste, making it easier to apply and clean. It contributes to very smooth and rapid spreading during cooler tension, but it can also be prone to dripping and running if applied vertically.
5. Noctua NT-H1
THE BEST BUDGET THERMAL PASTE
SPECIFICATIONS
No, it is not electrically conductive.
Unlisted thermal conductivity
4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
4.0 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
The cost per gramme is $2.26.
THE BEST OFFERS OF THE DAY US$7.90, US$14.90
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+Ratio of price to performance
+Easy to operate and maintain
REASONS TO STAY AWAY
-None
The NH-H1 from Noctua is a viscous, stable chemical that applies easily and cleans up quickly. A screw-on cap syringe keeps the compound fresh and prevents it from drying out, and it’s reasonably priced for people on a budget. You can’t go wrong with this paste; it’ll cover the vast majority of builds.
6. Gelid GC-Extreme
Best Budget Runner-Up
SPECIFICATIONS
No, it is not electrically conductive.
8.5 W/mk Thermal Conductivity
4.0 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
3.5 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
The cost per gramme is $3.70.
THE BEST OFFERS OF THE DAY
$9.99
$28.98
$28.99
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+Spread that is consistent
+Affordable price
REASONS TO AVOID
SPECIFICATIONS
No, it is not electrically conductive.
2.5 W/mk Thermal Conductivity
4.5 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
3.5 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
1.71 cents per gramme
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+Easy to implement
+ Consistent dispersion
+Cheap price per gramme
REASONS TO STAY AWAY
-Difficult to find
Thermal paste application requires a compound with a relatively “normal” viscosity as well as adequate application stability. Despite the fact that it is electrically non-conductive, most technical data sheets refer to the chemical composition, which comprises heat-conductive metal oxides floating in a silicone basis.
8. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut
Best Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
SPECIFICATIONS
Yes, it is electrically conductive.
73.0 W/mk Thermal Conductivity
2.0 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
4.5 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
The cost per gramme is $22.99
THE BEST OFFERS OF THE DAY US$13.95 ,US$22.99
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+If you’re looking to do some serious overclocking, here is the place to
+Excellent performance
REASONS TO STAY AWAY
-Price
-Difficult to implement
-It must be electrically conductive.
Grizzly Thermal A syringe delivery mechanism and capillary needle applicator tip are used to apply Conductonaut liquid metal thermal compound to the CPU integrated heat spreader, which has a thin, runny consistency. A specific extraction point can be used to syphon off any excess substance (by pulling the syringe plunger to withdraw excess liquid metal).
9. CoolLaboratory Liquid Pro
Best Liquid Metal Thermal Paste was a close second.
SPECIFICATIONS
Yes, it is electrically conductive.
79.0 W/mk Thermal Conductivity
2.0 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
4.5 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
The cost per gramme is $24.94.
THE BEST OFFERS OF THE DAY US$7.75 ,US$9.99
REASONS TO PURCHASE
+If you’re looking to do some serious overclocking, here is the place to
+Excellent performance
REASONS TO STAY AWAY
-Price
-Difficult to implement
-It must be electrically conductive.
CoolLaboratory Liquid Pro is a liquid metal compound applied to the CPU integrated heat spreader with a syringe and capillary tip, and it comes with a scouring pad and alcohol swab for prep and cleanup.
Cotton swabs and adequate pressure for equal distribution make applying and spreading the liquid metal easier. Some metals, such as aluminium, can react with liquid metal, and end-user reports of copper reactions have also been observed.
10. Phobya Liquid Metal Compound LM
Best Budget Liquid Metal Thermal Paste
SPECIFICATIONS
Yes, it is electrically conductive.
Unlisted thermal conductivity
2.0 (1=difficult, 5=simple) Ease of Use
4.5 (1=poor, 5=excellent) Relative Performance
Alcohol pads or cotton swabs, lint-free absorbent paper towels, and alcohol
The cost per gramme is $9.00.
THE BEST DEALS OF THE DAY US$16.99
REASONS TO BUY
+For extreme overclocking
+High performance
+Relatively affordable for a liquid metal paste VIEW ON AMAZON
REASONS TO STAY AWAY
-Electrically conducting -Difficult to apply
Phobya’s Liquid Metal Compound LM offers outstanding performance for a compound that costs less than half as much as top competitors, frequently outperforming the CoolLaboratory Liquid Pro or Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut in our tests.
Liquid Metal Compound LM is delivered in the form of a syringe with a capillary applicator tip. To establish a consistent coating on the CPU IHS, use cotton swabs and generous pressure to spread the compound. Aluminum and other metals can produce reactions.
