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 Noctua NT-H2 3.5g AM5 Edition thermal compound is geared towards users with AMD AM5 CPUs, ensuring optimal heat transfer from the CPU or GPU to the heatsink. One of its strengths is its excellent thermal conductivity, which is crucial for maintaining efficient cooling in high-performance setups. The ease of application is another highlight, as it doesn't require pre-spreading before installing the heatsink, making it user-friendly for those who might not be tech experts.

This thermal paste comes with a unique thermal paste guard that prevents build-up in the cut-outs of AM5 CPU heatspreaders, keeping your system cleaner over time. Additionally, the inclusion of three cleaning wipes makes removal and reapplication straightforward, which can be advantageous for anyone prone to tinkering with their setups.

In terms of longevity and stability, the NT-H2 assures users of its durability—it's recommended for up to 5 years of use on a CPU, and its storage life extends up to 3 years. This gives users confidence in its long-term performance.

On the downside, while the 3.5g pack is sufficient for multiple applications, those with larger CPUs, like the TR4, might find it a bit limited, potentially catering to fewer applications compared to smaller CPUs. Moreover, since the focus is on AMD AM5 CPUs, users with different CPU types or brands might not benefit as much from the specific design features.

For enthusiasts who prioritize maintaining optimal cooling performance in their AMD AM5 systems, this product offers a well-balanced mix of performance, ease of use, and durability.