High temperatures on a PC are highly undesirable. It can lead to stuttering games, sluggish performance, and even unexpected shutdowns. As such, choosing the right thermal paste is essential for gamers, PC enthusiasts, or just about anyone looking to optimize their computer's performance.
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Thermal paste plays a crucial role in transferring heat from the CPU or GPU to the cooler. While one definitely needs to pair it with the right CPU coolers alongside some case fans for added airflow, it’s important to first get the right thermal paste for one’s use case.
Thermal pastes come in different formulations and offer unique benefits depending on the specific needs of the user. Whether it’s a seasoned gamer pushing their PC to the limits, a creative professional relying on demanding software, or simply a user who wants to maintain optimal system performance, this article will help the user make the right purchase.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Thermal Pastes in 2024
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is renowned as one of the best thermal pastes on the market, perfect for gamers, PC enthusiasts, and overclockers. It’s a high-performance thermal paste that isn’t overly expensive and manages to keep both CPUs and GPUs cool.
- Thermal conductivity
- 12.5 W/mK
- Electrically conductive
- No
- Exceptional thermal conductivity
- Long-lasting and stable
- Non-conductive and safe to use
- Great for overclocking too
- Slightly more expensive than other thermal pastes
- Its thick consistency demands a bit more finesse when applying
Looking for the absolute best in thermal performance? Look no further than Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut. This thermal paste boasts exceptional thermal conductivity, meaning it whisks heat away from the CPU like a champ. This translates to lower temperatures and smoother performance, especially for overclockers pushing their systems to the limit.
Add to that, its non-conductive nature makes it safe to use, even for beginners. The paste also offers long-lasting stability, which ensures consistent performance over time. While the paste is extremely popular with overclockers, it offers immense value even for general users and isn’t super expensive either.
ARCTIC MX-4
For folks shopping on a budget, the ARCTIC MX-4 is a fantastic choice that offers high performance without breaking the bank. While the company has launched a newer version of this paste, the MX-4 still offers great performance, especially for its discounted price now.
- Thermal conductivity
- ~8.5 W/mK
- Electrically conductive
- No
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Non-conductive
- Safe for beginners
- Slightly lower thermal performance compared to premium options
- Newer model available
Known for its excellent thermal conductivity and ease of application, MX-4 provides great value for budget-conscious users. Its carbon micro-particle-based formula ensures efficient heat dissipation from the CPU or GPU to the cooler, making it a reliable option for both gaming and everyday use.
It's also super easy to apply, making it a great choice for beginners. The MX-4 might not be the absolute best, but for everyday users and budget-conscious builders, it's a fantastic option. Adding to that, it’s worth noting that ARCTIC offers the MX-6 as the latest version of their affordable thermal pastes. That being said, the MX-6 only offers about a 20% performance boost over the MX-4, making the latter a much better value-for-money purchase.
Prolimatech Pk-3
For those seeking the absolute best in thermal conductivity, the Prolimatech Pk-3 is the top-tier option. It does come with a very expensive price point, but the product manages to justify it with its high-end performance, perfect for fans of overclocking.
- Thermal conductivity
- 11.2 W/m-℃
- Electrically conductive
- No
- Outstanding thermal conductivity
- Long-lasting and durable
- Ideal for high-performance systems
- Stays in place under high temperatures
- Higher price point
- Thicker consistency can make application slightly more challenging
Prolimatech PK-3 is a premium thermal paste designed for users who demand the best performance. Its high thermal conductivity ensures optimal heat transfer, thanks to its unique formula which includes micronized aluminum oxide and zinc oxide particles. Tech jargon aside, this basically enhances the paste's ability to fill gaps between the CPU and cooler, ensuring efficient heat dissipation.
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Despite its premium price, it’s worth noting that Pk-3 requires a bit more care during application due to its high viscosity. Additionally, considering its price, most overclockers might prefer opting for a liquid metal solution. The good news is that once applied, the Pk-3 won’t dry out quickly and is still easier to apply compared to a liquid metal.
At the end of the day, for gamers and overclockers who love to push their PCs to the most extreme conditions and still prefer the comparative simplicity of a thermal paste, the Pk-3 is the most premium product on the market.
Corsair XTM70
For folks new to the world of applying thermal pastes manually, the Corsair XTM70 is the best bet. The thermal paste comes with an applicator kit, ensuring that the user can easily apply the paste on their CPU, with minimal chances of messing up.
- Thermal conductivity
- 5.5 W/mK
- Electrically conductive
- No
- Super easy to apply
- Includes Applicator Kit
- Non-conductive and safe
- Good thermal performance
- Not the highest thermal conductivity on the market
- Slightly more expensive than basic thermal pastes
The Corsair XTM70 is a user-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Beginners will appreciate its straightforward application process and non-conductive nature, which provides peace of mind when handling delicate components.
The bundled Applicator Kit includes multiple cleaning wipes coupled with application stencils and even an applicator card. With the help of this, one can ensure that the thermal paste is applied evenly on just the IHS of their CPU, and doesn’t spread anywhere not needed.
Cooler Master MasterGel Pro
The one issue with the Corsair XTM70 is that it's suited mainly for CPUs. For folks looking for a single solution that works best across both CPU and GPU and is still easy to apply, there’s the Cooler Master MasterGel Pro. With its Flat-Nozzle Applicator, it makes the job easier for both beginners as well as advanced users.
- Thermal conductivity
- 8 W/mK
- Electrically conductive
- No
- Easy to apply
- Good thermal performance
- Suitable for both CPU and GPU
- Good value for money
- Might need more frequent reapplication
- Not for high-end performance systems
Cooler Master MasterGel Pro is designed with ease of application in mind. Its smooth, low-viscosity formula spreads effortlessly, making it ideal for users who might find other thermal pastes challenging to apply. Of course, the highlight is its patented flat-nozzle syringe, which ensures that the thermal compound spreads evenly, without any issues.
Apart from its ease of use, the thermal paste itself is quite efficient too, thanks to its 8 W/mK Thermal Conductivity. That’s more than what the Corsair XTM70 offers, while still being easy to apply. When you combine all that with the not-so-expensive price tag, the Cooler Master MasterGel Pro makes for an excellent value-for-money purchase.
Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut
For the ultimate in thermal conductivity, nothing beats liquid metal. That’s why the Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut is the go-to choice for users seeking the ultimate in thermal conductivity. While it is tough to apply, it offers unmatched performance, catering to the best overclockers in the scene.
- Thermal conductivity
- 73 W/mK
- Electrically conductive
- Yes
- Unmatched thermal conductivity
- Ideal for extreme overclocking
- Long-lasting
- Electrically conductive
- Requires careful application
- Can be challenging to apply for beginners
Unlike traditional thermal pastes, Conductonaut is a liquid metal compound, based on eutectic alloy mixed with tin, gallium, and indium. As a result, it manages to provide an unmatched thermal conductivity of about 73 W/mK. For those counting, that’s almost 10 times a performance boost compared to the best thermal pastes in the market.
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However, liquid metal does come with its risks. Unlike thermal pastes, liquid metal is electrically conductive and requires extreme caution during application. One mistake or the slightest of spills can damage the system’s motherboard. It’s also not that cheap, which is why it makes sense only for overclockers and high-performance users to opt for it.
How to Choose the Best Thermal Paste
Choosing the right thermal paste for your PC can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. As such, it's important to understand a few key factors that impact its performance and usability.
Thermal Conductivity
First, consider the thermal conductivity of the paste. Thermal conductivity is measured in watts per meter-kelvin (W/mK) and indicates how efficiently the paste can transfer heat from the CPU or GPU to the cooler. Higher thermal conductivity means better heat dissipation, which is crucial for maintaining optimal temperatures and preventing overheating. For high-performance or overclocked systems, look for thermal pastes with conductivity ratings above 8 W/mK. On the other hand, for general purposes and light gaming, lower thermal conductivity in the range of 5.5 to 8 W/mK should suffice.
Experience Level and Ease of Application
First-timers might appreciate user-friendly features like an applicator kit or a special nozzle for easy application. Additionally, some thermal pastes have a smoother consistency that makes them easier to spread evenly. This is crucial to ensure effective heat transfer. Additionally, consider whether the thermal paste is electrically conductive. Non-conductive pastes are safer to use, as they minimize the risk of short-circuiting components if applied incorrectly.
Budget
Thermal pastes range from budget-friendly options like MX-4 to premium picks like Pk-3. Remember, the most expensive paste isn't always the best fit. As such, it's important to first understand one's use case, and then select a thermal paste that justifies the cost of it. While gamers and overclockers would prioritize performance even if it costs them more bucks, most general users can get by with more affordable thermal pastes.
FAQ
Q: When should I replace my thermal paste?
If your PC temperatures are high, your fans are constantly running loud, or your performance seems sluggish, it might be time to replace your thermal paste. Additionally, thermal paste should typically be replaced every 2-3 years to maintain optimal cooling performance, since these pastes can dry out and lose their effectiveness.
Q: What is the difference between thermal paste and liquid metal?
In basic terms, a thermal paste is easier to apply and non-conductive, making it safer for beginners. On the other hand, liquid metal offers superior thermal conductivity but requires careful application due to its conductive nature.
Q: Can I use thermal paste on both CPUs and GPUs?
Yes, thermal paste can be used on both CPUs and GPUs to improve heat transfer and cooling efficiency. However, make sure to use a compatible paste for the specific component.