Welcome, fellow PC enthusiast! If you’re here, it’s likely because you want to keep your processor cooler than an ice cream truck in the Arctic. Whether you’re gaming, crunching numbers, or video editing until the cows come home, keeping your CPU cool is a must! And the unsung hero of the cooling world? You guessed it: Thermal Paste.
Now, don’t go thinking thermal paste is just some random goo. No, no. It’s the secret sauce that helps your CPU stay chill by filling in the microscopic gaps between your processor and heatsink. Think of it like a super-efficient glue that loves to spread and keep heat from causing a meltdown. Let’s dive into the best of the best thermal pastes for your CPU, with some snappy specs and a whole lot of personality!
Quick Comparison Table: The Coolest Thermal Pastes Around
| Product | Thermal Conductivity | Quantity | Viscosity | Price |
| Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme | 14.2 W/mK | 2g, 5g, 10g | Medium | $21 – Buy Now |
| Noctua NT-H2 | 8.9 W/mK | 3.5g | Low | $12 – Buy Now |
| Arctic MX-5 | 8.5 W/mK | 4g, 10g | Medium | $14 – Buy Now |
| Corsair TM30 | 11.0 W/mK | 1.5g, 4g | Medium | $8 – Buy Now |
| Cooler Master MasterGel Maker | 11.0 W/mK | 4g | Low | $22 – Buy Now |
| Gelid GC-Extreme | 8.5 W/mK | 1g, 3.5g | High | $10 – Buy Now |
| DeepCool Z9 Thermal Paste | 7.5 W/mK | 3.5g | Low | $10 – Buy Now |
What is Thermal Conductivity, Anyway?
Before we get into the products, let’s talk about a little thing called thermal conductivity. It sounds fancy, but it’s pretty simple. In short, thermal conductivity is a material’s ability to conduct heat. When it comes to thermal paste, it’s all about how effectively the paste moves heat away from your CPU to the heatsink or cooler. The better the thermal conductivity, the faster the heat moves away from the processor, keeping your CPU cooler during intense tasks like gaming, rendering, or coding.
So, if you’re shopping for thermal paste, you’ll want one with high thermal conductivity to ensure that your CPU stays chill under pressure. Generally, the higher the number (measured in W/mK, or Watts per meter-Kelvin), the better the paste performs in terms of heat transfer. In simple terms? More W/mK = Better Cooling Power!
Also, keep an eye on the quantity you need. Thermal paste typically comes in small amounts (like 1g, 3g, or 5g) because a tiny dollop is usually enough for your CPU. However, if you’re building several PCs or applying paste multiple times, you might want a bit more in your tube. Just remember: less is often more—don’t go overboard with the paste, or it’ll spill over and make a mess.
Now that you’re all educated and ready to keep your CPU frosty, let’s dive into the best thermal pastes on the market right now!
Best Thermal Paste for CPU: Top Picks
1. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme
Quick Specs:
- Thermal Conductivity: 14.2 W/mK
- Quantity: Available in 2g, 5g, and 10g
- Viscosity: Medium (Perfect for easy application)
- Compatibility: Works with both Intel and AMD CPUs
- Price: $21 – Buy Now
If your CPU needs the highest level of thermal performance, then Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme is your go-to paste. This bad boy is designed for extreme overclockers and enthusiasts who want their processors to stay frosty under heavy loads. It’s a 10/10 for thermal conductivity at 14.2 W/mK, ensuring your CPU gets all the love it needs to stay cool during those long gaming sessions.
2. Noctua NT-H2
Quick Specs:
- Thermal Conductivity: 8.9 W/mK
- Quantity: 3.5g
- Viscosity: Low (for smoother application)
- Compatibility: Intel and AMD
- Price: $12 – Buy Now
Noctua’s NT-H2 is a heavyweight when it comes to low-maintenance thermal paste. With a thermal conductivity of 8.9 W/mK, it strikes a balance between performance and ease of use. It’s got a reputation for being easy to apply (perfect for the new DIY builder) and staying consistent, even in the long run. Noctua’s NT-H2 is for those who want excellent cooling without any fuss.
3. Arctic MX-5
Quick Specs:
- Thermal Conductivity: 8.5 W/mK
- Quantity: 4g, 10g
- Viscosity: Medium
- Compatibility: Intel, AMD
- Price: $14 – Buy Now
Arctic’s MX-5 is a budget-friendly but surprisingly powerful thermal paste that doesn’t compromise on cooling power. It’s got a thermal conductivity of 8.5 W/mK, which might not sound like much compared to the high-end options, but this paste’s performance is still top-notch for everyday use. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to apply, making it perfect for those who want to get the job done quickly without making a mess!
4. Corsair TM30
Quick Specs:
- Thermal Conductivity: 11.0 W/mK
- Quantity: Available in 1.5g and 4g sizes
- Viscosity: Medium
- Compatibility: Intel and AMD
- Price: $8 – Buy Now
Corsair TM30 offers solid performance with a slightly lower price tag, giving you great value for your dollar. With 11.0 W/mK thermal conductivity, it stands as a solid performer in the mid-range. Plus, its medium viscosity ensures it spreads nicely without being too runny, making application easy-peasy.
5. Cooler Master MasterGel Maker
Quick Specs:
- Thermal Conductivity: 11.0 W/mK
- Quantity: 4g
- Viscosity: Low
- Compatibility: Intel, AMD
- Price: $22 – Buy Now
For those who want high performance without going overboard, the Cooler Master MasterGel Maker is a great pick. With 11.0 W/mK thermal conductivity, it provides excellent heat transfer while keeping things easy to apply. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or rendering, this thermal paste has you covered.
6. Gelid GC-Extreme
Quick Specs:
- Thermal Conductivity: 8.5 W/mK
- Quantity: 1g, 3.5g
- Viscosity: High (stay-put formula)
- Compatibility: Intel and AMD
- Price: $10 – Buy Now
If you’re a pro-level enthusiast or overclocker, Gelid GC-Extreme could be your new best friend. It’s a high-thermal-conductivity monster at 8.5 W/mK. This paste is perfect for those who push their CPUs to the limits and need that extra edge in cooling performance. Its high viscosity means it stays put where you apply it, even under extreme conditions.
7. DeepCool Z9 Thermal Paste
Quick Specs:
- Thermal Conductivity: 7.5 W/mK
- Quantity: 3.5g
- Viscosity: Low
- Compatibility: Intel, AMD
- Price: $10 – Buy Now
Last but definitely not least, we have DeepCool Z9 Thermal Paste. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank but still offers decent cooling performance, this one’s for you. It has 7.5 W/mK thermal conductivity, and while it’s not the absolute fastest, it’s an excellent budget pick for everyday computing.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your CPU Chill, My Friend!
Choosing the best thermal paste isn’t just about picking the most expensive one. You need something that fits your needs, whether that’s extreme overclocking or just casual gaming. Thermal paste might be a small component in your PC build but don’t underestimate how much it can impact the temperature of your CPU. So, go ahead, grab your favorite from the list, and give your processor the chill it deserves.
Also Read:
