What is Thermal Paste and Why is it Important for CPUs?
Thermal paste, also known as thermal compound or thermal grease, is a material applied between the CPU and the heatsink to facilitate heat transfer away from the CPU into the heatsink. Applying thermal paste improves thermal conductivity compared to just having air between the CPU and heatsink. This allows the CPU to run cooler, which in turn enables higher performance andlonger component lifespan.
Choosing a high quality thermal paste is crucial to maximize heat transfer from the CPU. The effectiveness of a thermal paste depends on factors like thermal conductivity, viscosity, and durability. With modern CPUs generating more heat than ever, using a top-tier thermal paste can make a big difference in temperatures and performance.
I always apply thermal paste when installing or upgrading computer components to ensure adequate cooling and peak performance. Selecting the right paste for your application and properly applying it is essential.
Top Thermal Pastes for Effective CPU Cooling
Here are my top recommendations for the best thermal pastes to keep your CPU cool:
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut
- Highest thermal conductivity of any paste I’ve tested
- Provides exceptional cooling by efficiently transferring heat from CPU to heatsink
- Useful for extreme overclocking
- Long lasting due to minimal pump-out effect
- A bit expensive but worth it for the premium cooling performance
Arctic MX-4
- Affordable price makes it accessible for anyone
- Easy to apply and spreads thinly and evenly
- Durability of 8 years with no drying out
- Great all-around performer for moderate overclocking
- My top budget pick for great value
Noctua NT-H1
- Non-electrically conductive and non-corrosive making it very safe to use
- Stays viscous for 3 years for consistent performance
- Quiet acoustics from low particle emissions
- Excellent at absorbing vibration in heatsinks
- My choice for air cooler applications
Key Considerations When Selecting a Thermal Paste
Here are some key factors I evaluate when choosing a thermal paste:
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Thermal Conductivity – This measures how well the paste transfers heat. Higher values like 12 W/mK are better.
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Viscosity – Thinner pastes spread easier but thicker ones resist pump-out. Aim for the right balance.
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Electrical Conductivity – You want low conductivity as CPUs have exposed contacts. Avoid liquid metal pastes.
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Durability – How long it lasts before drying out. At least 3-5 years of life is ideal.
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Ease of Application – A paste that glides on thin and evenly is preferable. Easy clean up is a plus.
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Noise Levels – Some pastes emit more noise from the tiny particles shifting. Seek quieter acoustics.
How to Correctly Apply Thermal Paste
Applying the thermal paste properly ensures you get the full benefit:
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Clean the CPU and heatsink contact areas completely using >90% isopropyl alcohol.
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Place a small dot or thin line of paste directly onto the CPU die.
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Slowly lower the heatsink straight down onto the CPU and attach securely.
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Use just enough paste to fill the small gaps – too much can cause overflow and too little reduces effectiveness.
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Do not spread the paste around – the pressure will spread it evenly when mating the surfaces.
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Reapply paste if you remove the heatsink, as the previous application will have poor contact on reassembly.
Conclusion
From extreme overclocking to budget builds, there is a thermal paste solution tailored for every CPU cooling need. Follow my top picks like Kryonaut and MX-4. Ensure proper application for maximum heat transfer. With quality thermal paste in place, you can push your CPU to peak performance!
