CPU thermal paste is necessary to protect heat from the central processing unit. CPU paste is a needed item when connecting the CPU and CPU heat sink, and it is the most sensitive of all the personal computer parts. However, there are many different types, such as silicon paste, silver grease, and diamond paste. Also, the performance and price may vary, so might you wonder which one to choose.
At this time, we will pick up the necessary points for choosing CPU thermal paste and the popular products purchased online. All the popular items are collected based on the product reviews and practices by the other users. Please select the CPU thermal paste that is suitable for your computer and improve the cooling performance.
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How to choose a CPU thermal paste – Buying Guide
From right here, let us discuss the importance and the tips on how to choose a CPU thermal paste, let’s consider this point and take down notes. Let’s see how to choose.
Choose the specification that matches your computer
The main point for CPU thermal paste is to select the products that match the specifications of the computer that you are using. There are three main types, so let us understand the characteristics of each and narrow down the products that will match your personal computer.
Choose silicon paste for a standard performance
If you are using a higher specification like a Core i5 processor or a lower computer, Silicon thermal paste is advisable because of its low cost. There are high-conductivity and low-conductivity products in silicon thermal paste, so it is a good idea to compare them.
For example, if you do not use a high-load 3D game or video processing, but you use it for writing and surfing, the CPU does not take much load, then silicon thermal paste can handle it in any way. Also, if there is a possibility of upgrading the specs or customizing, it is possible to change the thermal paste in a higher model.
Choose silver thermal paste for middle specs
If you are going to play a light 3D game on a computer with a specification Core i5 CPU or surfing over the internet, please consider silver thermal paste. Although the thermal conductivity of silicon increased, silver thermal paste maintains a more stable cooling performance.
Hence, a middle-specification personal computer can start multiple tools, but if the cooling performance is low, it will cause freezing, so be sure to have it.
Choose diamond or silver for high-end computers
If you have a high-specification performance CPU, such as the second generation of Core i7 or higher, and want to do with high-load work. You should select from products that are silver thermal or higher. Silver thermal paste is a product that cools well, but if the product is mixed with a diamond substance, the CPU can further be cooled.
If the CPU goes into a thermal runaway, your high-specification personal computer may freeze or even on startup become worse. To prevent this, you must choose the product that suits with higher specification and performance thermal paste.
Check CPU thermal paste conductivity
After establishing the thermal paste type and ease of application, let us compare the thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity is displayed in units, such as 9.0w/m K, which is a number that represents the amount of heat that travels per second. The greater the number, the higher the thermal conductivity, and the better it cools.
Some CPUs come with the original thermal paste, but this thermal paste does not have enough thermal conductivity. Once it adheres, it is difficult to remove, so apply the thermal paste separately as possible to increase the thermal conductivity.
Choose with Insulator to prevent short circuit
Insulating thermal paste is also advisable for those who are not comfortable with unfamiliar thermal paste. In the case of conductive thermal paste, if the liquid leaks or blows out, it may cause the PC to short-circuit. However, with insulating thermal paste, you can rest assured that if you spill it on the motherboard, you don’t have to worry about short-circuiting.
Moreover, insulation is not important above all, so let’s decide whether insulation is necessary after giving priority to the balance between thermal conductivity and the thermal paste type.
Top 10 Best CPU Thermal Paste to Buy Online
Right now, we already discussed the importance and following points on how to choose a CPU thermal paste for your computer, and now let’s take a look a the popular ranking products of CPU thermal paste.
1. ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for All Processors
$6.98
$8.99
Amazon
The ARCTIC MX-4 thermal paste is a high-quality product made of carbon microparticles, ensuring excellent thermal conductivity and efficient heat dissipation. It is safe to apply, metal-free, and non-electrical conductive, eliminating short circuit risks. The product's authenticity can be verified through an authenticity check, making it easy to use for beginners.
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2. Arctic Silver 5 AS5-3.5G Thermal Paste
$8.25
$8.75
Amazon
This product is made of 9.9% pure micronized silver, which is non-electrically conductive, easy to apply and remove, and has a thermal conductance of over 350,000W/m2 degreesC.
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3. Thermal Paste, SYY 2 Grams CPU Paste Thermal Compound Paste
$8.88
$13.98
Amazon
SYY thermal paste is a safe and non-conductive adhesive that effectively dissipates heat generated by CPUs and GPUs. Its high thermal conductivity of 15.7W/m-k and excellent component heat dissipation performance make it ideal for use by beginners. Unlike metal and silicon thermal conductive adhesives, SYY thermal paste lasts at least 5 years.
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4. Corsair TM30 Performance Thermal Paste
$7.99
Amazon
XTM50 is a premium Zinc Oxide-based thermal compound designed to improve CPU cooling and reduce temperatures. It is easy to install, fills gaps, and has a long service life. It is non-conductive and contains zero volatile compounds, making it safe for both users and PCs.
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5. Cooler Master CryoFuze Ultra-High Performance Thermal Paste
$6.99
Amazon
This high-performance product utilizes nanoparticles for superior heat conductivity, exceptional thermal conductivity, and anhygroscopic properties, making it easy to apply and clean, and non-corrosive to metal surfaces.
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6. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, High Performance Thermal Paste for Cooling All Processors
$8.99
Amazon
Kryonaut thermal paste offers high conductivity, easy usage, and long-lasting effectiveness, even at 80 degrees Celsius. It reduces temperatures, noise, and improves user comfort. Tested for top performance, it can be used for up to 6 CPUs and is easy to use.
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7. Noctua NT-H2 3.5g, Thermal Computer Paste incl. 3 Cleaning Wipes (3.5g)
$12.95
Amazon
Noctua's second-generation NT-H1 thermal compound optimizes heat transfer from CPUs and GPUs to heatsinks. Easy to apply and clean, it can significantly lower temperatures on AMD Ryzen and Intel Core CPUs, AMD Radeon and Nvidia GeForce GPUs, and laptops. Recommended storage and usage time is up to 5 years.
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8. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme The High Performance Thermal Paste for Cooling All Processors
$21.99
Amazon
Kryonaut thermal paste offers high conductivity, easy usage, long-lasting effectiveness, and outstanding results. It reduces equipment noise, improves user comfort, and meets high quality criteria for both standard computer users and overclocking fans, with a syringe and applicator included.
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9. BSFF Thermal Paste
$5.99
$7.88
Amazon
BSFF thermal paste is a safe and non-conductive material that offers high thermal conductivity, excellent component heat dissipation performance, and high durability. It is made of carbon microparticles and is easy to apply, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. It lasts at least 5 years.
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10. Toplamp TL-A40W High Efficiency Thermal Paste
$9.99
$11.99
Amazon
High thermal conductivity and density, non-corrosive, easy to apply, and suitable for beginners, this super high-performance thermal interface material is ideal for CPU, GPU, IC Processor, Coolers, Heatsinks, and DIY devices.
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At this time, We have given you some tips and precautions when choosing CPU thermal paste. CPU thermal paste is a part that is often overlooked by those who make their personal computers, even those who are trying to repaint for maintenance. However, keep in mind that depending on the thermal paste, the CPU temperature of your computer will change considerably.
All of the CPU thermal pastes introduced here are popular and recommended products. Based on the points of selection methods introduced, let’s narrow down the products in order and find the products that match the PC you want to make.
