Looking for the best model to replace your thermal paste or assemble your Custom PC? In this article, we’ll explore the best thermal pastes available, highlighting their features, performance and value for money.
What is thermal paste used for?
Thermal paste is a viscous substance applied between the processor (CPU) or graphics card (GPU) and the heat sink. Its main function is to fill the micro-imperfections between these surfaces to ensure better heat transfer.
Indeed, even the smoothest metal surfaces have microscopic irregularities that can prevent heat from dissipating properly.
Improved performance: Good heat conduction enables the processor and graphics card to operate at ideal temperatures, avoiding performance drops due to heat.
Longer component life: By maintaining a low temperature, thermal paste extends component life, as continuous high heat can damage them.
Our selection of the best thermal pastes on the market
1. Thermal Grizzly – Kryonaut: Discover thermal excellence
Every degree counts, and Kryonaut Thermal Grizzly is recognized as one of the best thermal pastes on the market. Its excellent thermal conductivity makes it a preferred choice for demanding users, particularly in high-performance fields such as gaming or video rendering.
Highlights
- Extreme thermal conductivity
- Non-drying
Weak points
- More expensive than others
2. ARCTIC MX-4 the affordable, high-performance thermal paste
ARCTIC MX-4 is both an affordable and high-performance option compared to Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut thermal paste, positioning itself as an economical solution without compromising on performance for budget-conscious amateurs and professionals alike.
Strong points
- Good thermal capacity
- Affordable
Weak points
- Dries out over time
3. Noctua NT-H2 durable thermal paste
Noctua NT-H2 stands out for its quality composition and formulation designed to ensure long-term stability. Thanks to its non-conductive, non-corrosive texture, it offers effective protection against high temperatures and operating conditions, even in the most demanding environments.
Highlights
- Durable thermal paste
- Affordable
Weak points
- Less efficient than other models
How long does thermal paste last?
Thermal paste lifespan To maintain good thermal conduction between the processor and the heatsink, it’s advisable to change the thermal paste every 2 years, especially if you use your computer a lot. However, this is only an estimate, as several factors influence this duration:
- Type of paste
- Average processor temperature
- How paste was applied
- The compound used
- PC ventilation: frequent overheating reduces paste life
The best indicator of whether thermal paste needs changing is the temperature of the processor (CPU). In general, the CPU should be at around 30°C when idle, and around 70°C when in use.
If the computer regularly exceeds 80°C, it’s time to change the thermal paste.
Thermal pads are often used when there’s a large gap to fill between the component and the heatsink. They are also preferred for their ease of installation and reusability, unlike thermal paste, which requires replacement with each application.
For advice on choosing between thermal pad and thermal paste, see our full article here. There you’ll find tips for improving thermal management and associated costs.
