Thermal paste is an important component for a PC. It helps improve heat transfer between the CPU and cooler. It also protects the CPU from overheating. However, there are many options for CPU thermal paste.
The best one is Noctua NT-H2. This paste is very reliable and cost effective. It is metal-free and non-electrically conductive, ensuring safe usage. It also comes with a spatula for easy application.
Noctua NT-H2
Unlike some other thermal pastes that require a certain amount of time to fully perform, Noctua’s NT-H2 doesn’t need a burn-in period. It also doesn’t have a cure time and it can be used immediately after application. This is due to its high-performance formula and excellent quality. It features a fine-tuned mixture of metal oxide micro-particles for even lower thermal resistance and reduced bond-line thickness at typical mounting pressures.
It is a second generation of Noctua’s award-winning hybrid thermal compound and features improved spreadability and ease of use. It can be used with both air and water based CPU coolers. It is non-conductive and non-corroding, which drastically reduces the risk of short circuits. It also works well on copper and aluminum heatsinks. The 3.5g pack comes with three large NA-CW1 cleaning wipes, which are pre-moistened with isopropyl alcohol and make it child’s play to remove the paste. NT-H2 also has an impressive recommended usage time of up to five years after application.
Arctic MX-5
After years of success, Arctic’s MX-4 thermal paste needed an update. Fortunately, hardware detectives spotted the MX-5 on Amazon UK. It’s designed to fill the microscopic nooks and crannies between the processor IHS and heat sink, allowing better transfer of waste heat. This product is non-reflective and non-conductive, making it safe for overclocking. It’s also durable, claiming to last for eight years after application.
The MX-5 is blue in color and features a syringe-like package that’s easy to use. It has a low viscosity and spreads easily. It’s also less dense than MX-4, which makes it easier to separate the cooler from the CPU during maintenance.
Like other thermal greases, the MX-5 is made of carbon microparticle-based material that’s not electrically conductive or capacitive. This helps prevent short circuits or discharges when accidentally touching other components. The MX-5 also has a high durability and can withstand extreme temperatures. It’s available in a variety of sizes, from 2 grams to 50 grams. Its resealable packaging keeps it from drying out and comes with a spatula for even spreading.
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is a liquid metal compound that has high thermal conductivity, which helps the CPU run cool. This thermal paste can reduce the maximum temperature under stress testing by up to 14degC. The thermal conductivity is comparable to some of the leading products on the market. However, it requires a bit more expertise and care when applying. It is important to make sure that the liquid metal only covers the CPU’s integrated heat spreader and not the cooling unit.
The thermal paste is silicon-free and non-electrically conductive, which prevents short circuits in the components of your computer. It is also safe for beginners to use, as it does not contain any toxic substances. It comes in a 8 g pack and is easy to apply.
This thermal paste is made of ultra-fine nano-aluminum particles, which minimize microscopic gaps and irregularities between the IHS and the cooler. It was developed for the extreme applications and highest demands of the overlocking community, and is recommended as a top product for critical cooling systems in the industrial sector.
Gelid GC-Extreme
The Gelid GC-Extreme is a high-performance thermal paste that offers excellent conductivity and performance. It is a good choice for overclockers and other hardcore users. It has been tested to maximize performance and outperforms other pastes, including Noctua’s NT-H1. It is thicker than most other thermal compounds, which helps it hold up under clamping pressure. It also compresses well and spreads evenly.
It is non-curing, non-toxic, and non-electrically conductive, making it safer to use than other products. It also has a lower price tag than other high-performance thermal compounds. It is available in a 3.5-gram tube and is suitable for all processors.
The GC-Extreme outperforms both Noctua’s NT-H1 and Arctic Cooling’s MX-2 in our tests, and even beats the stock compound on our test bed. It’s not cheap, but it will give you great results with relatively little maintenance. Phanteks includes it with many of their coolers, and it’s a solid option for those who don’t want to spend too much money on a thermal compound.best thermal paste for cpu