If you're a gamer at heart, you'll inevitably have to build your own PC sooner or later! To prevent your CPU from overheating uncontrollably, you'll need one of the best thermal pastes to effectively dissipate heat with your CPU cooler!
To improve your PC's performance, choosing the right thermal paste is essential! As you'll understand, the proper functioning and long-term efficiency of your PC depend on it.
The 3 best thermal pastes in our ranking!
Things to know before choosing your thermal paste
Three important points to consider before buying thermal paste:
- There are several types of thermal paste components;
- The effectiveness and performance of a thermal paste depend on its composition and consistency;
- The price-quality ratio must be taken into account.
There are two types of thermal paste for your PC
It's important to know that thermal paste is known for its viscosity and electrical conductivity. Its purpose is to fill microscopic imperfections on the surface of a processor. Before comparing products, it's important to know that thermal paste comes in two different types:
- Thermal pastes, also called "white" pastes , are easy to use: simply apply them to the processor and then use a heatsink to spread them. Alternatively, you can apply them to both components.
- 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, as this product completely covers the processor when it heats up.
It's easier to choose thermal pastes that offer convenient application, especially for beginners. Here are three products known for their performance and quality: Noctua NT-H1, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 12.5 W/mK 1G, and 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 excellent thermal conductivity. Its temperature range is from -50°C to over 110°C, and its thermal conductivity is 3.9 W/mK. It is compatible with all types of processors and fans. Its manufacturing process ensures protection against power outages and, most importantly, short circuits.
Made from hybrid thermal paste, the Noctua NT-H1 is designed for all types of air cooling systems. Noctua thermal paste is formulated to ensure optimal heat transfer from the CPU or GPU to the processor. Thanks to its special chemical composition, this product offers excellent coverage. A 3.5g package provides enough for 3 to 20 applications, and the Noctua NT-H1 is available from €7.90.
2. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut 12.5 W/mK 1G
Features and Reviews
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut thermal paste is a high thermal conductivity paste. Its composition is based on carbon microparticles and its thermal conductivity is 8.5 W/mK. A benchmark for professionals and PC gaming enthusiasts, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut quickly dissipates CPU and GPU heat.
Its temperature ranges from -150°C to over 200°C. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut helps smooth out even the smallest imperfections on the processor surface. It's also easy to clean. Simply use a dry cloth or absorbent paper. No alcohol is needed. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is priced from €9.12.
3# Arctic Mx-2
Features and Reviews
Arctic Mx-2 thermal paste is carbon-based, which explains its exceptional durability. The Arctic Mx-2 weighs 9.07 kg and contains 8 g of paste. Its dimensions are 12 x 12 x 2 cm, and it has a thermal conductivity of 5.6 W/mK. With a lifespan of 8 years, Arctic Mx-2 thermal paste eliminates short circuits.
Arctic easily replaces the thermal pad on a CPU cooler, stabilizing your overclock. It's compatible with both CPU and GPU peripherals. The Arctic Mx-2's packaging is not only practical but also recyclable. The goal is to conserve resources and also to promote this "next-generation" model under a new version. The Arctic Mx-2 is priced from €6.22.
The thermal paste buying guide
Before buying a product, it is essential to first understand its intended use. Only then can we consider its different types and performance.
Why use thermal paste?
Generally, this product is primarily used in PC CPU cooler installation; thermal paste is an essential accessory. It plays a crucial role in improving thermal conductivity and ensuring optimal contact between the heatsink and the paste. Thermal paste works by preventing air from escaping between the smooth surface of the processor and the heatsink .
Types of components
Thermal paste is composed 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. Offering better value for money on the market, it also possesses electrical, mechanical, and environmental properties.
Furthermore, its durability is short-term ; this type of thermal paste needs to be renewed every 3 months.
➡️ A metal molecule thermal paste
Made from metallic particles, metal molecule thermal paste ensures thermal continuity. It is gray with a silvery sheen. High-performance, metal molecule thermal paste boasts excellent conductivity and offers a better balance of quality and price .
➡️ A thermal paste containing carbon
This thermal paste is composed of several elements, including three types of powder: diamond, graphite, and ceramic. Finally, it contains graphite oxide! Gray in color, this paste is very efficient and has superior thermal conductivity compared to metallic compounds. It is very effective, but more expensive.
Instructions for use and operation
Thermal paste is easy to use for the following reasons: its adaptability and adhesion to surface imperfections. Due to its low thermal conductivity, the layer applied to the surface must be very thin and even. The paste will not be effective if the layer is too thick.
To apply thermal paste to a PC, spread it in the center after cleaning the surface. Remember to remove the fan. Applying it requires care and expertise, and there are three 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 : place a small dab of thermal paste in the center of the CPU. Then place the heatsink on top and secure it. The thermal paste will spread easily on its own.
- The alternative method involves applying the thermal paste in small crosses or dots and securing it with a heatsink. Then, smooth the paste with a card or spatula to avoid uneven application.
To maintain its effectiveness, thermal paste needs to be renewed. To do this, the old paste must be removed and replaced with a new one. To remove it, use a cotton swab dipped in ether or 99% pure isopropanol.
Thermal paste works on two surfaces: the heat sink and the main processing unit. Ensuring a secure connection and immediate cooling, thermal paste prevents air from circulating between the two surfaces. This maximizes heat dissipation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thermal Paste
Here, we answer frequently asked questions about thermal paste!
What are the advantages of using thermal paste?
To combat overheating, which can cause a computer to shut down completely, thermal paste acts as a heat transfer medium. This product, by its very nature, increases heat conductivity between the smooth surface of the processor and that of its heatsink.
The advantages of thermal paste are related to better processor stability, for 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?
Choosing the right brand of thermal paste is essential, as there are many drawbacks. The packaging, for example, can be ergonomic and cause short circuits. Some thermal pastes are also difficult to apply due to their viscosity. Improper application can negatively impact the performance of certain computer components, potentially leading to failure or even overclocking.
What is thermal conductivity?
It is expressed in W/mK. Short circuits are less likely to occur depending on the degree of conductivity. Indeed, for a heat conductor, thermal conductivity plays a primary role. If a material is a heat conductor, then thermal conductivity is also dominant.
A better thermal paste has a conductivity of 9 W/mK. For Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, for example, it is 12.5 W/mK.
Thermal paste can also be used to secure a fan or a graphics card . These operations are for experts, not beginners.
Ease of use: Why prioritize this criterion?
You need to choose a thermal paste that's easy to use. The more liquid the paste, the less dexterity is required . Therefore, choose a product in a tube, as it's easy to spread over a surface. The thermal paste will then fill any imperfections on the processor.
The consistency of the paste is also important. Indeed, some thermal pastes are less flexible and require a break-in or hardening phase before application.
Thermal paste is not reusable, and a better thermal paste is carbon-based. It is compatible with GPUs, but its application is different. For a computer dedicated to video games, it is necessary to regularly inspect the condition of the thermal paste.
Indeed, for a gallium thermal paste for example, contact with aluminum can corrode the metal and the dissipating fins become fragile.
The price/quality ratio: is it really important?
Generally speaking, the higher the price, the better the product's quality. Therefore, thermal paste tends to offer higher performance if it is more expensive. For example, Arctic MX-2 is very expensive on the market and has a lifespan of 8 years. It's worth noting that this paste is carbon-based.
But for thermal pastes containing around 30 grams, the price can reach €15. Those containing 5 grams or more will cost an average of €10.
