Best Thermal Paste of 2025

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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
Top 10 Thermal Paste
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for Processors
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.
Noctua NT-H1 Pro-Grade Thermal Compound
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.
ARCTIC MX-6 Thermal Paste for CPUs and GPUs
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.
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste with Spatula
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.
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for Processors
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.
Corsair TM30 Premium Thermal Paste for CPUs
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.
Noctua NT-H1 Thermal Paste 10g Pack
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.
Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Thermal Paste for Cooling
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.
ARCTIC MX-4 Thermal Paste for All Processors
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.
Cooler Master CryoFuze Violet Thermal Paste
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.
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.
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.

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