If you are a gamer at heart, one day you will have to take care of assembling your PC! To avoid out of control overheating of your processor (CPU), you need one of the best thermal pastes to be able to dissipate the heat thanks to your cooler!
To improve the performance of your PC, making the right choice of thermal paste is essential! As you will have understood, the proper functioning and efficiency of your PC in the long term depend on it.
The 3 best thermal pastes in our ranking!
What to know before choosing your thermal paste
3 important points should be considered before purchasing thermal paste:
- There are several types of thermal paste components;
- The effectiveness and performance of a thermal paste relies on its composition and consistency;
- You have to take into account the quality-price ratio.
There are two types of thermal paste for your PC
It is important to know that thermal paste is known for its viscosity and electrical conductivity. It aims to fill microscopic roughness on the surface of a processor. Before comparing the products, you should know that thermal paste exists in 2 different types:
- Thermal pastes also called “white” : they are easy to use with application to the processor and the use of a radiator to spread it. It can also be spread over both elements.
- Gray thermal pastes : this type of product is a little difficult to use, but on the other hand, it is very effective. It is impossible to spread it, because this product completely covers the processor when it heats up.
It is easier to choose thermal pastes that offer convenient application, especially for beginners. Here are 3 products that are recognized for their performance and quality: the Noctua NT-H1, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 12.5 W/mK 1G and the Arctic Mx-2.
Comparison of the best thermal pastes for your PC
1. Noctua NT-H1
Features and Reviews
Noctua NT-H1 is a thermal paste with very good thermal conductivity. Its temperature can vary between -50°C to more than 110°C and its thermal conductivity is 3.9 W/mK. It is adjusted to all types of processors and fans. Its manufacturing material guarantees protection against power outages and especially short circuits.
Made from hybrid thermal paste, Noctua NT-H1 is dedicated to all types of air cooling systems. Noctua thermal paste is designed to guarantee the processor ideal thermal transport from the CPU or GPU. Having a special chemical composition, this product benefits from good coverage. With a 3.5g package for 3 to 20 applications, the Noctua NT-H1 starts at €7.90.
2. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 12.5 W/mK 1G
Features and Reviews
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut thermal paste is a paste with high thermal conductivity. Its composition is based on carbon microparticles and its thermal conductivity is 8.5 W/mK. Being a benchmark for professionals and PC gaming enthusiasts, the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut quickly dissipates CPU and GPU heat.
Its temperature varies between -150°C to more than 200°C. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut helps correct tiny bumps on the surface of the processor. It is also easy to clean. All you need is a dry cloth or moisture-absorbing paper. No need for alcohol. The price of the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut starts at €9.12.
3# Arctic Mx-2
Features and Reviews
Arctic Mx-2 thermal paste is a carbon-based paste, which explains its very high durability. The Arctic Mx-2 weighs 9.07 kg and has a volume of 8 g. Its size is 12X12X2 cm and its indication reaches 5.6 W/mK. With a lifespan of 8 years, Arctic Mx-2 thermal paste banishes short circuits forever.
Arctic easily replaces the thermal pad of a CPU radiator by stabilizing your overlocking. It is compatible at the CPU and GPU periphery. The packaging of the Arctic Mx-2 is not only practical, but also recyclable. The goal is to save resources, but also to designate this “new generation” model under a new version. The price of the Arctic Mx-2 product starts from €6.22.
The thermal paste buying guide
Before purchasing a product, it is essential to know its use. And it's after that we move on to its different types and its performance.
Why use thermal paste?
Generally speaking, this product is mainly used in the installation of a PC cooler, thermal paste is an essential accessory. It comes into play as better thermal conductivity and demonstrates optimal contact through the assistance of the heatsink on the substance. The operation of a thermal paste relies on its ability to prevent air between the smooth surface of the processor and that of its cooling .
Types of components
Thermal paste is made from different types of materials for increased efficiency.
➡️ A ceramic-based thermal paste
It is made from ceramic powder. This thermal paste is an excellent insulator, because it is a good thermal conductor. Also promising better quality-price on the market, it has electrical, mechanical and environmental properties.
Furthermore, its durability is short-term , this type of thermal paste is renewed every 3 months.
➡️ A metal molecule thermal paste
Based on metal particles, metal molecule thermal paste is responsible for thermal continuity. It is gray in color with a silver reflection. Being ultra-efficient, the thermal paste based on metal molecules has high conductive properties. It promises a better compromise in terms of quality/price .
➡️ A thermal paste containing carbon
This thermal paste is assembled from several constituent elements, including 3 TYPES of powder: diamond, graphite, ceramic. And finally graphite oxide! Gray in color, this paste is very efficient and has greater thermal conductivity than metallic compounds. It is very efficient, but more expensive.
Instructions for use and operation
Thermal paste is easy to use for the following reasons: its adaptation and adhesion to surface imperfections. Due to its low thermal conductivity, the layer to be applied to the surface must be very thin and regular. In fact, the paste does not work enough if the layer is too greasy.
To apply thermal paste to a PC, spread it in the center while cleaning the surface to be used. Do not forget to remove the fan. Its application requires attention and know-how and for this, there are 3 methods:
- The manufacturers' method : consists of placing a small dab in the middle of your CPU and spreading it using a card or spatula.
- The easiest method is to place a small dab in the center of the CPU. Then place the radiator on top and secure it. The thermal paste will spread easily on its own.
- The alternative method : consists of applying the thermal paste in small crosses or even in small dots and fixing it using a radiator. Then, you must smooth the dough using a card or a spatula to avoid homogeneity.
To maintain its effectiveness, thermal paste must be renewed. To do this, you have to remove the old one in order to put it back in again. To remove it, it is necessary to use a cotton swab dipped in ether or 99% pure isopropanol.
The operation of the thermal paste acts in 2 surfaces: at the level of the heat sink and the main processing unit. Guaranteeing connection and immediate cooling, thermal paste prevents air from circulating between the 2 surfaces. This allows for maximized heat.
Thermal Paste Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer frequently asked questions about thermal paste!
What are the advantages of using thermal paste?
Faced with overheating, which can cause a computer to completely shut down, thermal paste acts as a thermal carrier. This accessory, in its very essence, increases the heat conductivity between the smooth surface of the processor and that of its cooler.
The advantages of thermal paste are linked to better stability of the processor, over a period of several years, as well as the proper functioning of fans with integrated chips and LEDs.
What are the disadvantages of thermal paste?
It is essential to choose the right brand of thermal paste, as the disadvantages can be numerous. Concerning the container, it can be ergonomic and can cause shunts. There are also thermal pastes that are difficult to apply due to viscosity. A bad application can impact the functioning of certain components of a computer, hence its death sentence or even its overlocker.
What is thermal conductivity?
It is expressed in W/mK. Short circuits are less depending on the degree of conductivity. Indeed, for a heat conductor, thermal conductivity plays a leading role. If a material is a conductor of heat then at the same time, thermal conductivity is dominant.
Better thermal paste has a conductivity of 9 W/mK. For the Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut for example, it is 12.5 W/mK.
Thermal paste can also be used to attach a fan or even a graphics card . These operations are dedicated to the expert and not to the beginner.
Ease of use: Why prioritize this criterion?
You should choose a thermal paste that is easy to use. The more liquid the dough, the less dexterity is required . You should therefore choose a product in a tube, because it is easy to spread on a surface. The calluses present on the processor are therefore filled with thermal paste.
It is also necessary to value the consistency of the dough. Indeed, there are thermal pastes which are less flexible and which require a break-in or hardening phase before application.
Thermal paste is non-reusable and better thermal paste is carbon based. It is GPU compatible, but its use is different. For a computer dedicated to video games, it is necessary to regularly inspect the condition of the thermal paste.
Indeed, for a thermal paste made of gallium for example, contact with aluminum can eat away at the metal and the dissipative fins become fragile.
Value for money: is it really important?
In general, the higher the price, the better the quality of the product. Therefore, a thermal paste has more performance if its price is high. With the Arctic Mx-2 for example, its price is very high on the market and its lifespan is 8 years. Remember that this paste is carbon-based.
But for thermal pastes with a quantity of around 30 grams, the budget can reach €15. Those weighing from 5 grams will cost on average €10.
