What is Thermal Paste?

Thermal paste is a viscous substance that is applied to the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) of your CPU and the base of your heatsink. It helps to fill in any air gaps between the two surfaces, improving heat transfer and lowering CPU temperatures.

How to Choose the Best Thermal Paste

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a thermal paste. These include:

• Thermal conductivity: This is a measure of how well the paste transfers heat. The higher the thermal conductivity, the better.
• Viscosity: This is a measure of how thick or thin the paste is. A thinner paste is easier to apply, but a thicker paste may provide better thermal performance.
• Electrical conductivity: You want a thermal paste that is not electrically conductive, as this could damage your CPU or other components.
• Application: Some thermal pastes come with applicators, while others do not. Choose one that is easy to apply.

Best CPU Thermal Pastes for 2024 

• ARCTIC MX-6: (Get it here) This is a great all-around thermal paste that offers excellent thermal conductivity, low viscosity, and non-conductivity. It's easy to apply and comes with a spatula.
• Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut: (Get it here) This high-performance thermal paste offers the best thermal conductivity of any paste on this list, but it's also the most expensive and can be more difficult to apply.
• Noctua NT-H1: (Get it here) This popular thermal paste offers good thermal conductivity, is easy to apply, and is a good value for the price.
• Gelid Solutions GC-Extreme: (Get it here) This thermal paste is specifically designed for overclocking. It offers excellent thermal conductivity and is non-conductive, but it's also one of the most expensive options.
• Noctua NT-H2: (Get it here) This is the second generation of Noctua's award-winning NT-H1 thermal paste. It offers even better thermal performance than its predecessor, while still being easy to apply and non-conductive. It's a great choice for enthusiasts who want the best possible cooling performance.

Key points about Noctua NT-H2:

• Improved thermal performance: NT-H2 offers slightly better thermal conductivity than NT-H1, resulting in lower CPU temperatures.
• Easy to apply: It has a smooth, spreadable consistency that makes it easy to apply evenly.
• Long-lasting: NT-H2 is designed to last for years without drying out or losing its effectiveness.
• Non-conductive: It's safe to use with all types of CPUs and heatsinks, even those with exposed electrical components.

How to Apply Thermal Paste

Applying thermal paste is a simple process, but it is important to do it correctly. Here are the basic steps:

1. Clean the CPU and heatsink with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
2. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU IHS.
3. Spread the thermal paste evenly across the IHS using a credit card or other flat object. You can just do as I did in the video.
4. Mount the heatsink onto the CPU and secure it with the screws.

Tips for Applying Thermal Paste

• Less is more when it comes to thermal paste. A small amount is all you need.
• Do not apply the thermal paste directly to the heatsink.
• Be careful not to get thermal paste on your CPU socket.
• If you are unsure how to apply thermal paste, watch a video tutorial online.

Conclusion

Using a high-quality thermal paste is a great way to improve your CPU's cooling performance. By following the tips in this blog post, you can choose the right thermal paste for your needs and apply it correctly.