Best Cpu Thermal Paste in 2023
Hadley Norman Sep 29, 2023 9:42 AM
Every PC enthusiast strives to maintain the processor temperatures of their machine as low as possible. This is essential because neither the CPU nor the GPU should operate at excessive temperatures to prolong their lifespan. Choosing the best cpu thermal paste may seem straightforward, but there are so many possibilities that it can become laborious. Rest assured because this article will help you solve that problem.
Overview
If you are unfamiliar with thermal paste, it is a thermally conductive substance typically put between the processor (CPU or GPU) and the cooler's heatsink to avoid air gaps and enhance heat transfer between the IC and cooler. We strongly advise you to buy a high-grade thermal paste if you're an enthusiast who wants the best thermal performance out of your CPU and GPU. There are plenty of them on the market, so if you need help deciding which one to choose, listed below are the best cpu thermal paste.
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Best Overall: ProlimaTech PK-3 Nano Aluminum
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Best Premium Choice: Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
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Best Value: Cooler Master MasterGel Pro v2
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Best Budget: NAB Cooling NB Max Pro
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Best Alternative: Noctua NT-H1
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Best Purchased Product: Gelid GC-Extreme
1. ProlimaTech PK-3 Nano Aluminum
Specification
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Specific Gravity: 2.7 g/cm³
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Adhesiveness: 330000Cps
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Thermal Conductivity: 11.2 W/m-°C
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Thermal Impedance: 0.013°C-in2/W
Product's Summary
PromilaTech PK-3 Nano Aluminum paste is a somewhat dense thermal compound integrated with aluminum and zinc oxide, frequently hanging near to but not overpowering liquid metal compositions. Because of the paste's outstanding stability, it is simple to apply to all surfaces and easy to clean up. You can't go wrong with this paste because it works well for most CPU applications.
Pros
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Stability.
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Easy to use.
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Easy to clean up.
Cons
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High price.
2. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Specification
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Item Dimensions: 0.04(L) x 0.04(W) x 0.04(H) inches
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Brand: Thermal Grizzly
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Voltage: 0.09 Volts
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Cooling Method: Water, Air
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Compatible Devices: Radiator
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Noise Level: 14 dB
Product's Summary
A minimally viscous thermal compound with good stability, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is easy to work with and doesn't drip or run. This paste is a favorite among system builders because it is so simple to use and clean up. It has a high thermal conductivity of 12.5KW achieved with even smaller particles, is perfect for even the most demanding configurations, and can also be used in industrial cooling systems. It also provides a long-lasting effect; thanks to its characteristic and specialized structure, Kryonaut thermal paste does not dry out even at 80° Celsius degrees.
Pros
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Stability.
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Easy to use.
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Easy to clean up.
Cons
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Price per gram.
3. Cooler Master MasterGel Pro v2
Specification
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Item Dimensions LxWxH: 7.4 x 4.5 x 0.8 inches
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Brand: Cooler Master
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Cooling Method: Thermal
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Compatible Devices: Desktop
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Maximum Rotational Speed: 2500 RPM
Product's Summary
With a substance possessing characteristics of a typical thermal compound, such as thick, malleable viscosity and strong application stability, MasterGel Pro v2 is simple to use, apply, and clean up after. Individual ingredients are not listed on technical spec sheets.
Pros
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Easy application and cleanup.
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Readily available.
Cons
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Moderate price per gram cost.
4. NAB Cooling NB Max Pro
Specification
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Product Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 0.5 inches
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Item Weight: 0.124 ounces
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Manufacturer: Nab Cooling
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Item model number: NB EXTREME
Product's Summary
NB Max Pro is a non-conductive paste that flows easily while being tensioned. It is smooth and creamy. This paste has an easy application process, requires minor cleanup after use, and offers good value for the money per gram. With a thermal conductivity value of 8.5W/mK, N-B Max Pro CPU thermal paste promises extreme heat transfer, ensures the stability required, and helps the system run smoothly. This thermal grease paste will dry for four years after application; This way, you don't have to change the paste every six months, saving you time, energy, and money.
Pros
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Low price per gram.
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Smooth spreading.
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Easy to use/cleanup.
Cons
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Difficult to find.
- 9.6
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- BrandARCTIC
- Prime
- 9.7
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- BrandARCTIC
- Prime
- 9.6
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- BrandNoctua
- Prime
- 9.4
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- BrandThermal Grizzly
- Prime
- 9.4
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- BrandGowizDream
- Prime
- 9.4
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- BrandThermal Grizzly
- Prime
- 9.2
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- BrandSYY
- Prime
Cooler Master CryoFuze Ultra-High Performance Thermal Paste, Nanoparticles, High CPU/GPU
View on Amazon- 9.2
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- BrandCooler Master
- Prime
- 9.2
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- BrandJLJ
- Prime
- 9.2
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- BrandHalnziye
- Prime
Last update on 2023-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Is using excessive thermal paste harmful?
It is not a good idea to apply too much thermal paste. A little bit too much won't cause Armageddon, but too much will cause it to flow out over the CPU's edges and all over the motherboard and socket cover.
Even if the paste is not electrically conductive, too much of it might become an insulator and prevent heat dissipation instead of assisting it, which could short out your computer if it is. Removing debris from a CPU socket while attempting to avoid harm to the pins is not enjoyable.
2. What is the lifespan of thermal paste?
Thermal pastes degrade with time, but they don't have a set expiration date like pharmaceuticals. Manufacturers advise replacing them every three to five years because most eventually solidify and lose conductivity.
You may use a computer for several years without changing or reapplying the thermal compound, though, unless you're an avid gamer or hard-core overclocker. Nevertheless, changing the thermal paste each time you remove the heat sink from your CPU or GPU is an excellent practice.
3. Does thermal paste go bad?
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As long as the thermal paste in the tube still has its original color, consistency, and texture, it can be used. It must be thrown away if it is overly thick or runny. The enemies of thermal pastes are excessive heat, humidity, extreme dryness, and oxidation; keep them away from the sun and other sources of intense heat.
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Thermal pastes are also packaged in syringes rather than tubes for a reason. It helps keep the substance from coming into touch with air, which would cause oxidation and reduce its longevity. Don't pull back the plunger after applying the paste because that will let air into the syringe.
4. Is there a distinction between grease and thermal pastes?
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The terms thermal compound, gel, heatsink compound, grease, and thermal paste are all interchangeable. However, thermal adhesives are distinct. These are typically adhesive pads composed of thermally conductive material that must be adhered to the processor's heatsink interface.
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They are less messy, easier to apply, and have fewer risks of error than pastes, although they are relatively less influential than pastes. As long as the CPU or GPU operates at stock frequencies or barely overclocked speeds, they perform just as well as pastes.
We have reviewed the 10 best cpu thermal paste for you in 2023. They are from reputed manufacturers ARCTIC, Noctua, Thermal Grizzly, GowizDream, SYY, Cooler Master, JLJ, Halnziye with prices from $2.99 to $13.49. You can choose the options that best suit your requirements from the list above.
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