10 Best Thermal Compounds 2025 in the United States

The Arctic Silver AS5-3.5G thermal compound is known for its high-quality composition, featuring 99.9% pure micronized silver. This ensures excellent thermal conductivity, which is crucial for efficient heat dissipation from your CPU or GPU. Rated with a thermal conductance of over 350,000 W/m2 degreesC (0.001 inch layer), it is quite capable of keeping your components cool during intense use.

Its non-electrically conductive nature means it won't cause any short circuits, making it safe to use in close proximity to electrical components. Additionally, it is designed to stay in place without separating, running, migrating, or bleeding over time, contributing to its longevity and stability. Application and removal are relatively straightforward, making it user-friendly even for those who aren't very tech-savvy.

Weighing 14 ounces and being non-electrically conductive are definite pluses, as is its compatibility with major CPU sockets and heatsinks. This product would benefit users looking for a reliable, easy-to-use thermal compound capable of providing long-lasting thermal management for their systems.

The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme is a top-tier thermal paste known for its impressive thermal conductivity of 14.2 W/(m·K), making it ideal for users who need high performance, like overclocking enthusiasts or gamers. Its high thermal conductivity means it can effectively transfer heat away from your CPU or GPU, helping to maintain lower temperatures and promote better system performance.

The paste is designed to be easy to apply, with a syringe and an applicator included in the package, which means you won't struggle with messy applications. Additionally, it boasts long-term stability, maintaining its effectiveness at high temperatures up to 80 degrees Celsius, ensuring that your system remains cool over time without needing frequent reapplications.

However, at 2 grams, the amount might be a bit small if you plan to apply it to multiple devices frequently. Despite this, it claims to cover up to 12 CPUs depending on your application size, making it quite efficient. This product doesn't conduct electricity, eliminating the risk of short circuits, which is a great safety feature. The cost might be on the higher side compared to other thermal pastes, which could be a consideration if you're on a budget. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme is perfect for those who demand the best performance and longevity from their thermal paste, particularly in high-performance and gaming setups.

The Arctic Silver 5 High Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound is a well-regarded product in the thermal compound category, known for its high efficiency and unique silver particles. It uses three different shapes and sizes of 99.9% pure silver particles to enhance thermal transfer, which significantly improves the thermal conductivity, making it suitable for both heatsink and water-cooling solutions for CPUs. The controlled triple-phase viscosity ensures that the compound spreads evenly and stays in place, which is crucial for maintaining optimal thermal contact between the CPU and the heatsink.

However, the viscosity might be a bit challenging for beginners to handle, requiring careful application to avoid messes or improper coverage. The curing time for the Arctic Silver 5 can be longer compared to other compounds, as it takes about 200 hours to fully set, which might not be ideal for users looking for immediate results. It does not conduct electricity, which is a significant advantage as it reduces the risk of short circuits if accidentally spilled.

In terms of longevity and stability, Arctic Silver 5 remains effective over long periods, maintaining its thermal transfer capabilities without drying out or degrading. The compound comes in a 12-gram syringe, providing adequate quantity for multiple applications. This product would benefit tech enthusiasts and PC builders who require efficient thermal management for high-performance CPUs.