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10 Best Thermal Pastes 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

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Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme - Extremely High Performance Thermal Paste - for Maximum Thermal Conductivity While Overclocking CPU/GPU/PS4/PS5/Xbox (3 Pack of 2 Gram)

The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme thermal paste stands out for its exceptional thermal conductivity at 14.2 W/(m·K), making it a top choice for gamers and overclocking enthusiasts who demand peak performance from their CPUs and GPUs. This high thermal transfer rate ensures that heat is effectively dissipated, which is crucial during intensive gaming or demanding applications. Users can expect impressive results, including lower operating temperatures and a quieter system due to reduced fan speeds.

In terms of application, Kryonaut is user-friendly. It comes with a syringe and an applicator designed for precise distribution, making it easier even for those who might not be familiar with thermal paste application. Additionally, the paste is stable at high temperatures, remaining effective in environments up to 80 degrees Celsius, which ensures longevity and consistent performance over time.

It's important to note that while Kryonaut is indeed high-performing, it may be overkill for casual users who do not overclock their systems or run resource-intensive applications. For everyday computers, there are other thermal pastes that might suffice and come at a lower price point. Furthermore, with only 2 grams per syringe, it is designed for multiple applications (up to 12 CPUs), but this might not be enough for larger or more complex setups, potentially requiring more frequent purchases for heavy users. Kryonaut Extreme is an excellent choice for those who prioritize thermal performance and are looking to enhance their system's cooling efficiency, but casual users might find it more than they need.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Thermal Conductivity
Immediate temperature drop by 5-7°C was observed on an old Vega 64 GPU after applying Kryonaut Extreme, solidifying its status as a go-to thermal paste.
Ease of Application
Despite its tricky application, the spreader tip works well, and the performance cannot be denied.
#2

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

The Noctua NT-H2 thermal paste stands out as a premium-grade option designed for optimal heat transfer from CPUs and GPUs to heatsinks. With impressive thermal conductivity, it can significantly lower temperatures compared to standard pastes, making it particularly beneficial for gamers and PC builders looking to enhance their system performance. Users appreciate its ease of application, as it requires no spreading before installing the heatsink, streamlining the installation process. Additionally, the inclusion of 10 cleaning wipes is a nice touch, ensuring easy cleanup after the application.

One of the notable strengths of the NT-H2 is its longevity. With a recommended usage time of up to 5 years on the CPU and a storage time of up to 3 years, it offers excellent durability that can save users from the hassle of frequent reapplications. This characteristic makes it ideal for long-term setups, whether for gaming, content creation, or regular computing tasks.

The NT-H2 is highly effective, although its 10g packaging might not be sufficient for users with multiple high-end components, especially if they’re working on large CPUs like the TR4 socket. Depending on the size and type of CPU, the paste could provide around 9 to 60 applications, which might feel limiting for extensive builds or repairs.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Thermal Conductivity
Spreads great and delivers excellent temperatures. The 10g tube offers outstanding value.
Electrical Conductivity
Non-conductive properties mean no worries about frying components.
Ease of Application
Noctua includes a manual with recommended application techniques for various processor types, making it simple to use.
#3

10 Pack HY880 Thermal Paste Kit-5.15 W/MK 1 G/Pcs, High Performance Thermal Compound Paste Grease Heatsink for CPU, Processor, All Cooler Master, Computer, PS4

The HY880 Thermal Paste Kit offers a substantial thermal conductivity of 5.15 W/m-K, which is essential for effective heat dissipation from CPUs, GPUs, and other computer components. This ensures that your systems run efficiently without overheating. The paste’s consistency is designed to be user-friendly, making it easy to apply even for beginners, which is a significant advantage if you're not tech-savvy.

The strong insulation performance, with a voltage withstand capacity above 10,000 volts, adds an important safety feature, ensuring there is no risk of electrical conductivity that could damage your hardware. The thermal paste is also designed for durability, maintaining its performance over a wide temperature range from -30℃ to 280℃, and does not dry out quickly, ensuring long-term effectiveness.

Additionally, the kit includes 10 packs, making it a cost-effective solution if you have multiple devices to maintain or if you want to store some for future use. The product's high performance, ease of application, and safety features make it a good choice for most users needing reliable thermal paste for their computer components or gaming consoles like a PS4.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Viscosity
The consistency of the paste is similar to those included with heat sinks and coolers, making it user-friendly.
Longevity and Drying Time
These syringes are great for refurbishing electronics, providing 2-3 applications per tube.
Ease of Application
The thermal paste works as intended, and the included spreaders make application easy.

Buying Guide for the Best Thermal Pastes

Choosing the right thermal paste is crucial for maintaining optimal temperatures for your CPU or GPU. Thermal paste, also known as thermal compound or thermal grease, is applied between the processor and the heatsink to improve heat transfer. The right thermal paste can significantly impact the performance and longevity of your components. Here’s how to navigate the key specifications and choose the best thermal paste for your needs.
Thermal ConductivityThermal conductivity is a measure of how well the thermal paste can transfer heat from the CPU or GPU to the heatsink. It is usually measured in watts per meter-kelvin (W/mK). Higher thermal conductivity means better heat transfer, which can lead to lower temperatures and better performance. For high-performance systems, look for thermal pastes with higher thermal conductivity values, typically above 8 W/mK. For general use or less demanding systems, a thermal paste with a lower value, around 4-8 W/mK, should suffice.
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 surface of the CPU or GPU. Thicker pastes (high viscosity) can be harder to spread evenly but may stay in place better over time. Thinner pastes (low viscosity) are easier to apply but may spread too much or leak out. If you are a beginner, a medium viscosity paste is a good choice as it balances ease of application and staying power. Experienced users might prefer high viscosity pastes for their stability.
Electrical ConductivityElectrical conductivity is an important safety consideration. Ideally, thermal paste should be non-conductive to electricity to prevent any risk of short-circuiting your components. Most thermal pastes are non-conductive, but some high-performance options may contain metal particles that can conduct electricity. If you are not experienced in applying thermal paste, it is safer to choose a non-conductive option to avoid any potential damage to your components.
Longevity and Drying TimeLongevity refers to how long the thermal paste remains effective before it needs to be reapplied. Some thermal pastes can dry out or degrade over time, reducing their effectiveness. Drying time is how quickly the paste sets after application. For most users, a thermal paste with a long lifespan (several years) and a reasonable drying time (a few hours to a day) is ideal. If you frequently upgrade or change components, you might prioritize a paste that is easy to clean and reapply.
Ease of ApplicationEase of application is about how simple it is to apply the thermal paste evenly and correctly. Some thermal pastes come with applicators or spreaders to help with this process. If you are new to applying thermal paste, look for products that include these tools or have a reputation for being easy to use. Consistency and packaging can also affect ease of application, so read reviews and instructions to ensure you choose a paste that suits your skill level.

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