Fret not, for we are here. In this post, we will take a look at some of the best thermal pastes on the market. We’ll be highlighting various factors such as their thermal conductivity, ease of application, and more pros and cons. By the time you finish reading the article, you will be able to make an informed purchase decision to keep your processor cool. But first, you might want to check out the following:
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1. ARCTIC MX-4
Electrically conductive: No | Quantity: 2g to 45g Operating Temperature: -50°C to 150°C Thermal Conductivity: 8.5 W/m.K
Designed to remain stable and effective for up to eight years, you won’t have to replace the ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste often. Another benefit of the ARCTIC MX-4 is its ease of application. The paste is non-conductive, non-corrosive, and doesn’t require any curing time. What’s more, it comes in a syringe-style applicator that makes it easy to apply just the right amount of paste to your CPU or GPU. One thing to note is that ARCTIC no longer communicates thermal conductivity values. The 8.5 W/m.K value mentioned here was reported by Toms Hardware. Since its launchMX-4 has been superseded by the MX-5 (discontinued) and the MX-6. However, the MX-6 only offers a 20% performance boost over the MX-4. As such, you’re better off getting more value for your money with the MX-4.
2. Cooler Master CryoFuze Violet
Electrically conductive: No | Quantity: 2g Operating Temperature: -50°C to 240°C Thermal Conductivity: 12.6 W/m.K
With a thermal conductivity of 12.6 W/m.K, the Cooler Master CryoFuze Violet can easily handle the most extreme builds out there. It comes with a spatula included in the box for easy application, and the performance is great as well. At just 2g, you won’t get a lot of thermal paste for the price. However, as Pokde noted in their review, the CryoFuze Violet offers similar performance to the higher-priced Cooler Master MasterGel. As such, if you’re looking for a fashionable and performance-focused thermal paste without having to break the bank, the CryoFuze Violet is a great option.
3. Noctua NT-H2
Electrically conductive: No | Quantity: 3.5g to 10g Operating Temperature: -50°C to 200°C Thermal Conductivity: Unspecified
While the company does not officially disclose the thermal conductivity of the NT-H2, it is said to be better than the 8.9 W/mK offered by the Noctua NT-H1. Similar to its predecessor, the NT-H2 is non-conductive and non-corroding. As such, it drastically reduces the risk of short circuits and allows the paste to be used on heatsinks made from copper or aluminum. In fact, it is even safe to use with nickel-plated coolers. Moreover, unlike the NT-H1, the newer Noctua NT-H2 is also available in a larger 10g tube. As such, you can get more performance while also saving a buck. Speaking of performance, the Noctua NT-H2 thermal paste is one of the most consistent performers, and the unit keeps temps at bay even under heavy loads. However, if you plan to overclock your CPU, the next option on this list might appeal to you more.
4. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Electrically conductive: No | Quantity: 1g to 37g Operating Temperature: -250°C to 350°C Thermal Conductivity: 12.5 W/m.K
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is a premium thermal paste that’s designed for high-performance CPUs and GPUs. It’s known for its exceptional thermal conductivity and long-lasting performance. At 12.5 W/mK and a peak operating temperature of 350°C, the Kryonaut can easily tame CPUs that generate a lot of heat. Most consumers can get by using any of the above-mentioned thermal pastes for normal loads. However, if you do plan to overclock your CPU or GPU, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is the best thermal paste money can buy. While it’s a bit more expensive than some other options, its high performance and long lifespan make it a worthwhile investment for serious computer enthusiasts. It’s only thwarted by the Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut. However, do keep in mind that the Conductonaut is a liquid metal, which is a different league altogether.
5. Corsair XTM50
Electrically conductive: No | Quantity: 5g Operating Temperature: Unspecified Thermal Conductivity: 5.5 W/m.K
In terms of performance, the Corsair XTM50 performs similarly to most thermal pastes out there. With a thermal conductivity of ~5.5 W/m.K, it’s adequate for most CPUs and GPUs and performs better than the standard OEM thermal paste. It also comes with a low-viscosity formula, which means it’s easy to apply and spreads evenly. While the XTM50’s performance is great, the thermal paste’s application process remains the star of the show. To that end, the package includes an application stencil and spreader which takes the guesswork out of applying XTM50 to your CPU cooler. For its price, it’s definitely not the best performer out there. Be that as it may, the XTM50 is a great entry-level thermal paste for the masses.
6. Prolimatech Pk-3
Electrically conductive: No | Quantity: 1.5g to 30g Operating Temperature: Unspecified Thermal Conductivity: 11.2 W/m.K
One of the most common complaints against some thermal pastes is that they’re quite runny. As such, if you own a laptop, it can be quite risky to have a thermal paste that pumps out under heavy loads. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the Prolimatech Pk-3. As highlighted by reviews on Reddit, the Prolimatech Pk-3 is a great thermal paste for high-performance laptops. Another great feature of the Prolimatech Pk-3 is that it requires no burn-in time. As such, you can expect optimal performance immediately after its application. It’s definitely a premium offering, especially when there are better performers out there. However, if you do own a laptop and are constantly on the move, the Prolimatech Pk-3 proves to be a better option.
Keep Your CPU Cool
Choosing the right thermal paste for your CPU can make a significant difference in its performance and lifespan. We’ve discussed some of the best thermal pastes available, including their unique features. When choosing a thermal paste, keep in mind factors like thermal conductivity, viscosity, and ease of application. Ultimately, the best thermal paste for your CPU depends on your needs and preferences. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
