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10 Best Thermal Paste For Cpu 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Thermal Grizzly - Kryonaut Extreme - 2 Gram - Extremly High Performance Thermal Paste - for Maximum Thermal Conductivity While Overclocking CPU/GPU/PS4/PS5/Xbox

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,381
Thermal Conductivity
Longevity and Durability
Ease of Application

Most important from
1370 reviews

Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme consistently delivers the best cooling possible, the lowest CPU temps, and the best durability on the market for ultra-high performance thermal pastes.
Longevity and Durability
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme consistently delivers the best cooling possible, the lowest CPU temps, and the best durability on the market for ultra-high performance thermal pastes.
Ease of Application
Easy to use with a convenient applicator, making it perfect even for those who are not highly experienced in DIY computer maintenance.

The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme thermal paste is designed to offer top-tier thermal conductivity with a rating of 14.2 W/(m·K). This makes it highly effective for demanding setups, including overclocked CPUs and GPUs, as well as gaming consoles like PS4, PS5, and Xbox.

One of its notable strengths is the ease of application; it comes with a syringe and a special applicator to ensure that users can apply the paste effortlessly and precisely. This is particularly beneficial for those who may not be highly experienced in DIY computer maintenance. Its long-lasting effect is another plus, as it remains stable up to temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius, ensuring sustained performance over time.

The high performance and specialized features come with a relatively high price point for just 2 grams of paste, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious users. Additionally, while it’s very effective for intense computing tasks, it might be overkill for standard, everyday computing needs. The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme is a top choice for enthusiasts and professionals seeking maximum thermal performance, though its premium price and high performance might not be necessary for all users.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,381
Thermal Conductivity
Longevity and Durability
Ease of Application

Most important from
1370 reviews

Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme consistently delivers the best cooling possible, the lowest CPU temps, and the best durability on the market for ultra-high performance thermal pastes.
Longevity and Durability
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme consistently delivers the best cooling possible, the lowest CPU temps, and the best durability on the market for ultra-high performance thermal pastes.
Ease of Application
Easy to use with a convenient applicator, making it perfect even for those who are not highly experienced in DIY computer maintenance.
#2

Noctua NT-H2 10g, Thermal Computer Paste incl. 10 Cleaning Wipes (10g)

Rating
9.8
Thermal Conductivity
Electrical Conductivity
Ease of Application

Most important from
2230 reviews

Thermal Conductivity
Spreads great and delivers excellent temperatures.
Electrical Conductivity
Non-conductive, so no worries about frying components.
Ease of Application
Comes with a manual that provides recommended application techniques for various processor types.

The Noctua NT-H2 10g thermal paste is a high-quality thermal compound designed for optimal heat transfer from CPUs and GPUs to heatsinks. It boasts a premium-grade formula that is an upgrade from the previous NT-H1 version. Key strengths include excellent thermal conductivity, which efficiently lowers temperatures, making it suitable for both air and liquid cooling systems.

This thermal paste can be applied to a wide range of devices including AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs, AMD Radeon and Nvidia GeForce GPUs, PS4/PS5, Xbox consoles, and laptops, ensuring versatility across different platforms. The product’s viscosity allows for easy application without the need for prior spreading, and it comes with 10 cleaning wipes for hassle-free removal.

Its longevity and durability stand out, with recommended usage up to 5 years on the CPU and storage life up to 3 years, affirming its reliability over time. Additionally, the 10g pack size provides sufficient paste for multiple applications, making it cost-effective for users. On the downside, some users might find the premium price point higher compared to other thermal pastes. Moreover, the ease of application could vary slightly depending on personal experience. The Noctua NT-H2 is well-suited for anyone looking to enhance cooling performance in their computing devices, especially those using high-end gaming or professional setups.

Rating
9.8
Thermal Conductivity
Electrical Conductivity
Ease of Application

Most important from
2230 reviews

Thermal Conductivity
Spreads great and delivers excellent temperatures.
Electrical Conductivity
Non-conductive, so no worries about frying components.
Ease of Application
Comes with a manual that provides recommended application techniques for various processor types.
#3

Arctic Silver 5 High Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound -12g (AS5-12G-R)

Rating
9.7
Thermal Conductivity
Viscosity
Longevity and Durability

Most important from
663 reviews

Thermal Conductivity
Arctic Silver 5 offers great thermal conductivity, making it a solid choice for high-performance systems.
Viscosity
Although the paste has a thicker consistency that can make application harder, it delivers reliable, long-lasting performance once applied correctly.
Longevity and Durability
Despite trying other 'better' thermal pastes, Arctic Silver 5 remains a reliable choice that consistently performs well.
Ease of Application
It's particularly favored by those looking for a more traditional paste for high-performance systems, but be prepared for a bit of a learning curve during application.

The Arctic Silver 5 High Density Polysynthetic Silver Thermal Compound is a popular option for enhancing CPU cooling performance. It excels in thermal conductivity due to its composition of 99.9% pure silver particles, which ensures efficient heat transfer from the CPU to the heatsink or water-cooling solutions. This high thermal conductivity is beneficial for both gamers and high-performance PC users who need reliable cooling under heavy workloads.

The controlled triple-phase viscosity also ensures that the paste spreads evenly and maintains consistent performance over time. However, its high density can make application a bit tricky, requiring careful handling to avoid air bubbles that could reduce its effectiveness. It's not electrically conductive, which is a safety plus as it minimizes the risk of short circuits if some paste accidentally spills onto the motherboard.

Durability is another strong point, as it doesn't dry out quickly and maintains performance for extended periods, reducing the frequency of reapplication. On the downside, the paste can be somewhat difficult to remove during cleaning, and there are more user-friendly options available for beginners. If ease of application is a primary concern, users might find softer, more pliable pastes easier to work with. However, for those experienced with applying thermal paste or those prioritizing top-notch cooling performance, Arctic Silver 5 is a solid choice.

Rating
9.7
Thermal Conductivity
Viscosity
Longevity and Durability

Most important from
663 reviews

Thermal Conductivity
Arctic Silver 5 offers great thermal conductivity, making it a solid choice for high-performance systems.
Viscosity
Although the paste has a thicker consistency that can make application harder, it delivers reliable, long-lasting performance once applied correctly.
Longevity and Durability
Despite trying other 'better' thermal pastes, Arctic Silver 5 remains a reliable choice that consistently performs well.
Ease of Application
It's particularly favored by those looking for a more traditional paste for high-performance systems, but be prepared for a bit of a learning curve during application.

Buying Guide for the Best Thermal Paste For Cpu

Choosing the right thermal paste for your CPU is crucial for maintaining optimal temperatures and ensuring the longevity and performance of your computer. Thermal paste, also known as thermal compound or thermal grease, is applied between the CPU and the cooler to enhance heat transfer. The right thermal paste can significantly impact your CPU's cooling efficiency. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting thermal paste for your CPU.
Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity is a measure of how well the thermal paste can transfer heat from the CPU to the cooler. It is usually measured in watts per meter-kelvin (W/mK). Higher thermal conductivity values indicate better heat transfer capabilities. For general use, a thermal paste with a conductivity of around 5-8 W/mK is sufficient. For high-performance or overclocked systems, you might want to look for pastes with conductivity values above 10 W/mK. Your choice should depend on how much heat your CPU generates and whether you plan to overclock it.
ViscosityViscosity refers to the thickness or consistency of the thermal paste. It affects how easy the paste is to apply and how well it spreads over the CPU surface. Low-viscosity pastes are easier to apply and spread more evenly, making them suitable for beginners. High-viscosity pastes may require more effort to apply but can provide better performance in high-pressure mounting systems. If you are new to applying thermal paste, a medium to low viscosity paste is recommended for ease of use.
Electrical ConductivityElectrical conductivity is an important safety consideration. Some thermal pastes are electrically conductive, which means they can cause short circuits if they come into contact with other components. Non-conductive pastes are safer to use, especially for beginners or those who are not confident in their application skills. If you are concerned about safety or are new to applying thermal paste, opt for a non-conductive paste to avoid any potential damage to your components.
Longevity and DurabilityLongevity and durability refer to how long the thermal paste maintains its effectiveness after application. Some pastes can dry out or degrade over time, reducing their thermal performance. High-quality thermal pastes can last several years without needing reapplication. If you want a low-maintenance option, look for pastes that are known for their long-lasting performance. This is particularly important if you do not plan to frequently reapply the paste or if your system will be running continuously for long periods.
Ease of ApplicationEase of application is a practical consideration, especially for those who are new to building or maintaining computers. Some thermal pastes come with applicators or are pre-applied on coolers, making the process simpler. Others may require more precision and care during application. If you are not experienced with applying thermal paste, look for products that are marketed as easy to apply or come with applicators to ensure a smooth and even application.

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