Best Thermal Paste of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Thermal paste is a type of compound used to improve the heat transfer between a computer's central processing unit (CPU) or graphics processing unit (GPU) and its heat sink or fan. By filling in the microscopic gaps between the two surfaces, thermal paste helps to stabilise and lower the temperature of the CPU or GPU, which can improve performance and prevent damage from overheating. While thermal paste typically comes pre-applied to most CPUs and GPUs, some enthusiasts prefer to use higher-quality or more specialised thermal pastes to achieve better results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for Processors Cover #TOP 1
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for Processors
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Noctua NT-H1 Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Cover #TOP 2
Noctua NT-H1 Pro-Grade Thermal Compound
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste for CPUs and GPUs Cover #TOP 3
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste for CPUs and GPUs
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Thermal Paste

#TOP 1

ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for Processors

ACTCP00002B
grey
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for Processors Cover
ARCTIC MX-4 (4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for all processors (CPU, GPU - PC, PS4, XBOX), very high thermal conductivity, long durability, safe application, non-conductive, non-capacitive

The ARCTIC MX-4 Paste is a high-quality thermal paste designed for efficient heat dissipation from CPUs and GPUs. Its carbon microparticle composition ensures excellent thermal conductivity, helping to keep your components cool and performing optimally. You will appreciate its safe application since it is metal-free and non-electrically conductive, reducing the risk of short circuits. Additionally, the paste's ideal consistency makes it easy to apply, even if you are a beginner, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

What We Like
High thermal conductivity
Safe, non-conductive formula
Easy to apply
Proven quality
#TOP 2

Noctua NT-H1 Pro-Grade Thermal Compound

NT-H1
Silver
Noctua NT-H1 Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Cover
Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Paste (3.5g)

The Noctua NT-H1 Thermal Paste is a premium-grade thermal compound designed for optimal heat transfer from your CPU or GPU to the heatsink. You will find it incredibly easy to apply, as there’s no need to spread it before installation. Cleaning is just as simple, requiring only a dry paper towel. This paste is effective for both air and liquid coolers, helping to significantly lower temperatures compared to standard pastes. With trusted Noctua quality, you can rely on its long-term stability for years of efficient performance.

What We Like
Easy application process
Effective temperature reduction
Long-lasting performance
Versatile for various devices
#TOP 3

ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste for CPUs and GPUs

ACTCP00080A
Grey
MX-6 (4 Grams)
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste for CPUs and GPUs Cover
ARCTIC MX-6 (4 g) - Ultimate Performance Thermal Paste for CPU, consoles, graphics cards, laptops, very high thermal conductivity, long durability, non-conductive, non-capacitive

The ARCTIC MX-6 offers 20% better performance compared to its predecessor, the MX-4, thanks to its improved thermal conductivity. This means your CPU or graphics card can run cooler and more efficiently, enhancing overall system performance. Its non-conductive and non-capacitive properties ensure that you can apply it without the worry of short circuits. Additionally, the versatile application makes it suitable for a range of devices, including laptops and consoles, allowing for an easy and effective cooling solution.

What We Like
Improved thermal conductivity
Non-conductive and safe
Versatile for various devices
Easy to apply
#TOP 4

ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste with Spatula

MX-4
grey
4 g (incl. Spatula)
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste with Spatula Cover
ARCTIC MX-4 (incl. Spatula, 4 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for all processors (CPU, GPU - PC, PS4, XBOX), very high thermal conductivity, long durability, safe application, non-conductive

The ARCTIC MX-4 is a premium thermal paste designed for optimal performance in all processors, including CPUs and GPUs. Its well-proven quality ensures that the formula remains unchanged, delivering consistent results. Made from carbon microparticles, this paste provides excellent thermal conductivity, helping to dissipate heat quickly and efficiently. The safe application is a key benefit, as it is metal-free and non-electrically conductive, reducing the risk of short circuits. With its easy-to-apply consistency, even beginners can achieve effective results.

What We Like
High thermal conductivity
Metal-free and safe
Easy to apply
Proven quality
#TOP 5

ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for Processors

MX-4
grey
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for Processors Cover
ARCTIC MX-4 (8 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for all processors (CPU, GPU - PC, PS4, XBOX), very high thermal conductivity, long durability, safe application, non-conductive, non-capacitive

The ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste offers impressive performance with its carbon microparticle composition, ensuring exceptional thermal conductivity. This means your CPU and GPU can effectively dissipate heat, maintaining optimal performance. Its metal-free and non-electrical conductive properties provide safety, significantly reducing the risk of short circuits. Moreover, the paste is designed for easy application, making it accessible even for beginners, so you can confidently enhance your system’s cooling without any hassle.

What We Like
High thermal conductivity
Safe for electronics
Easy to apply
Proven quality
Authenticity check available

Corsair TM30 Premium Thermal Paste for CPUs

CT-9010001-WW
Performance Paste
3 grams
Corsair TM30 Premium Thermal Paste for CPUs Cover
Corsair TM30 Performance Thermal Paste, Premium Zinc Oxide Based, Heatsink Paste, Thermal Compound for All CPU Coolers, Thermal Interface Material, 3 g, Black

The Corsair TM30 Thermal Paste is a premium zinc oxide based thermal compound designed for optimal thermal performance. By installing this paste on your CPU and GPU, you can significantly enhance heat transfer and reduce temperatures. Its ultra-low thermal impedance ensures that your CPU operates cooler compared to standard thermal pastes. Additionally, the low-viscosity formula fills microscopic gaps effectively, promoting peak thermal transfer for your components.

What We Like
Improves heat transfer
Lowers CPU temperatures
Fills microscopic abrasions
Long-lasting stability
Easy to apply
#TOP 7

Noctua NT-H1 Thermal Paste 10g Pack

NT-H1-10
grey
Noctua NT-H1 Thermal Paste 10g Pack Cover
Noctua NT-H1 10g, Thermal Computer Paste (10g)

The Noctua NT-H1 Paste is a premium-grade thermal compound designed to optimise heat transfer from your CPU or GPU to the heatsink. You will appreciate its easy application, as it doesn’t require spreading before installation. Cleanup is a breeze, needing only a dry paper towel. This paste is suitable for both air and liquid coolers, and it can substantially reduce temperatures compared to standard pastes, ensuring better performance for your AMD or Intel processors and GPUs. Its trusted quality also guarantees long-term stability.

What We Like
Excellent heat transfer performance
Easy application and cleanup
Compatible with various coolers
Long-lasting stability
#TOP 8

Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste for Cooling

TG-K-001-RS
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste for Cooling Cover
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (1g) – Thermal Paste for CPU, GPU and consoles – Non-Conductive Thermal Compound with High Thermal Conductivity

The Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut offers extreme performance with a thermal conductivity of 12.5W/mK, making it ideal for high-demand setups. Its wide compatibility ensures it works seamlessly with CPUs, GPUs, and more, catering to all your cooling needs. The included spatula allows you to apply the paste easily and evenly, enhancing coverage for optimal cooling. With an optimal viscosity, it fills microscopic gaps effectively, promoting superior thermal conductivity and efficiency.

What We Like
High thermal conductivity
Wide compatibility
Easy application with spatula
Optimal viscosity for coverage
#TOP 9

ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for All Processors

ACTCP00024A
grey
45 g
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for All Processors Cover
ARCTIC MX-4 (45 g) - Premium Performance Thermal Paste for all processors (CPU, GPU - PC, PS4, XBOX), very high thermal conductivity, long durability, safe application, non-conductive, non-capacitive

The ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste offers outstanding performance thanks to its carbon microparticle composition, ensuring rapid heat dissipation from your CPU or GPU. This means your components can run cooler and more efficiently, enhancing their longevity. Its metal-free formula makes it safe to use, eliminating any risk of short circuits, which provides peace of mind during installation. Additionally, the paste's ideal consistency allows for easy application, making it accessible even for beginners who want to improve their system's thermal management.

What We Like
High thermal conductivity
Safe, non-conductive formula
Easy to apply for beginners
Proven quality and reliability
#TOP 10

Cooler Master CryoFuze Violet Thermal Paste

MGY-NOSG-N07M-R1
Violet
2 grams
Cooler Master CryoFuze Violet Thermal Paste Cover
Cooler Master CryoFuze Violet, Thermal Compound Paste for CPU coolers, W/m.k 12.6-2 grams, Violet

The CryoFuze Violet Thermal Paste by Cooler Master offers high performance, utilising nanoparticles to ensure excellent thermal conductivity for optimal heat transfer in your CPU cooler. With a thermal conductivity rating of 12.6W/mK, it can handle even the most demanding system builds. Its non-corrosive formula prevents solidification and protects metal contact surfaces, ensuring long-lasting stability even at extreme temperatures from -50°C to 250°C. Easy application is another highlight, as its viscously balanced formula allows for a hassle-free experience.

What We Like
Excellent thermal conductivity
Non-corrosive and oxidation resistant
Wide temperature range
Easy to apply and clean
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is thermal paste really necessary?

Thermal paste, or some oily thermal interface material, is necessary because it fills in the microscopic imperfections that otherwise trap air particles between the CPU and the heatsink, preventing the CPU from properly cooling.

2. What does thermal paste do?

Thermal Paste - A silvery-gray substance that you apply to a processor before installing a cooling solution. It allows for an efficient transfer of heat from the IHS of the processor to the base plate or water block of the CPU cooler that is designed to dissipate that heat.

3. Can I use toothpaste as thermal paste?

Toothpaste is also an excellent substitute for thermal paste. Its structure decays after a few days, especially if the operating temperatures are high.

4. How long does thermal paste last?

Most value options are good for two to three years, while higher-end compounds can go up to seven years. Replacing it every two to three years is a good idea and will keep your chip at its optimum.

Editor's Notes

During our thermal paste research, we found 271 thermal paste products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,203,885 customer reviews through our big data system to write the thermal paste list. We found that most customers choose thermal paste with an average price of £5.80.

The thermal paste are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of thermal paste, including ARCTIC, Noctua, Corsair, Thermal Grizzly, Cooler Master. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 795 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.